Vineland Man Sentenced in Beating, Rape of Elderly Woman

A southern New Jersey man who beat and raped an elderly woman inside her home two years ago has been sentenced to 57 years in prison.

Under the sentence imposed Wednesday, 29-year-old Marvin Sherwood of Vineland must serve more than 42 years before becoming eligible for parole.

An Atlantic County jury found Sherwood guilty in March of aggravated sexual assault, aggravated assault, armed robbery, burglary, tampering with physical evidence, making terroristic threats and weapons offense.

Sherwood claimed 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.)