Vineland Man Convicted in Beating, Rape of Elderly Woman

A southern New Jersey man accused of beating and raping an elderly woman inside her home nearly two years ago has been convicted on numerous charges.

Prosecutors say an Atlantic County jury found Marvin Sherwood guilty of aggravated sexual assault, aggravated assault, armed robbery, burglary, tampering with physical evidence, making terroristic threats and weapons offense. The panel returned its verdict Wednesday afternoon after several hours of deliberation.

The 29-year-old Vineland resident faces more than 40 years in prison when he's sentenced in June.

Sherwood testified that an accomplice, who has since died, committed the attacks. But prosecutors disputed that claim, noting that the victim -- who was 89 when the attack occurred at her Somers Point home in August 2010 -- said there was only one assailant.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)