Terrence Mells
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II today announced that Terrence Mells, 42, of Newark was convicted by an Essex County jury of three counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, three counts of second-degree sexual assault, one count of third-degree aggravated criminal sexual assault, three counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of first-degree witness tampering.
Assistant Prosecutors Cynthia Teller and Christopher Byrnes tried the case before the Honorable Naazneen Khan, J.S.C. The jury returned its verdict on Thursday November 13, 2025, following a four-day trial.
The prosecution proved that the defendant abused three underage family members multiple times between March 2015 and October 2023. The abuse began when the victims were 12, 13, and 14. Prosecutors also alleged that Mells threatened one of his victims after learning that he was being investigated for sexual assault.
“The jury’s verdict represents an important step toward justice and closure for the victims in this case. The defendant’s unspeakable acts were a profound violation of trust. We commend the victims for their strength throughout this process and thank the jury for its service”, said Assistant Prosecutor Teller. Assistant Prosecutor Byrnes added, “The jury’s verdict honors the strength of the victims who took the stand in this trial, where they could not be silenced any longer by the defendant.”
The assistant prosecutors commend the Newark Police Division’s Special Victims Unit and the Essex County Prosecutor Office’s Special Victims Unit for their dedicated work and collaboration in the investigation of this case.
Mells is scheduled for sentencing on February 23, 2026. He faces a potential sentence of up to 85 years in New Jersey State Prison.
The public is encouraged to report any information related to criminal activity by contacting the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432. All calls will remain confidential.