NJ man gets 30 years in prison for repeated rape of 6-year-old girl

PLAINFIELD — A city resident was sentenced to 30 years in prison after being found guilty of repeatedly raping a young girl for seven years starting when she was just 6 years old.

Clark Gilliam, 35, was convicted in June by a Union County jury of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault, and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. He had been arrested in February 2014.

Superior Court Judge Stuart Peim handed down his sentence Thursday in Elizabeth, describing the crimes as “horrible and barbaric.”

Gilliam must serve at least 85 percent of sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

After his release, Gilliam will be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law and will be subject to parole supervision for life.

Sergio Bichao is deputy digital editor at New Jersey 101.5. Send him news tips: Call 609-438-1015 or email sergio.bichao@townsquaremedia.com.

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