Two Elizabeth men were found guilty on Wednesday of a home invasion that left one victim wounded, said Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow.
Clarence Lewis DOB: 7/11/1977 and Steven Gilmore DOB: 12/01/1980 were found guilty of 2nd degree burglary and 3rd degree aggravated assault, said Assistant Prosecutor Joshua McMahon, who prosecuted the case.
According to the investigation, on February 2, 2008 the victim, a 43-year-old man , exited his house and encountered Lewis, who was attending a pre-Super Bowl party sponsored by a business across the street., said McMahon.
The men exchanged words and when the victim returned to his house, Lewis, Gilmore and others, followed and eventually broke down both the front door of the victim’s apartment and door to the victim’s unit, said McMahon.
Lewis and Gilmore proceeded to enter the home, attacked the victim, violently beating him before police arrived. The victim received head injuries.
Lewis was arrested at Trinitas Hospital where he sought medical attention following injuries he received during the break-in. Gilmore was arrested several hours later by Elizabeth Police.
Lewis faces up to 20 years in prison and Gilmore faces 10 years in prison when they are sentenced on Sept. 4, 2009 before Union County Superior James C. Heimlich. |
