Newark Man Sentenced to 60 Years for Sexually Assaulting Three Women, Claiming Gang Threats as Cover

A Newark man convicted of sexually assaulting three women was sentenced to 60 years in state prison, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced.

Salaam Leeks, 39, of Newark, was sentenced after a jury convicted him on June 12, 2025, of three counts of second-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated sexual assault.

According to prosecutors, Leeks assaulted three victims in Newark between 2015 and 2016 after falsely claiming that the women and their families were in danger from a street gang. Authorities said he manipulated the victims into believing that engaging in sexual acts with him would protect them from harm. Prosecutors said the victims were coerced and did not freely consent.

The case was tried by Assistant Prosecutors Meredith Mona and Brianna Sandroni before Judge Harold W. Fullilove Jr., who also presided over the sentencing.

"The sentence brings a measure of justice to the victims, who came forward years after being manipulated, threatened and sexually assaulted," Assistant Prosecutor Mona said.

Leeks is not eligible for parole. Authorities said he was on Parole Supervision for Life when he committed the offenses.