MOUNT HOLLY, NJ – Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that a Pemberton Township man was sentenced yesterday to 25 years in New Jersey state prison for breaking into the home of a Browns Mills woman last year and sexually assaulting her at gunpoint.
Under the state’s No Early Release Act, Lawrence Pippins, 27, of the first block of Scrapetown Road, must serve more than 21 years before becoming eligible for parole. The sentence was handed down by the Hon. Charles A. Delehey, J.S.C. Pippins pled guilty in January to Aggravated Sexual Assault (First Degree) and Kidnapping (First Degree).
“This type of crime strikes immense fear in the public psyche,” Prosecutor Coffina said. “The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage, and her ability to recall details greatly assisted investigators in making a quick arrest and removing a dangerous threat from society.”
The investigation revealed that Pippins gained entry into a residence on Ursinus Court in the University Park Apartments through a window at approximately 2:45 a.m. on June 15, 2017. He then restrained the victim and sexually assaulted her at gunpoint before leaving the residence.
Investigators began canvassing the neighborhood within a few hours, and the victim’s apartment was processed for evidence by the BCPO Crime Scene Unit. The investigation yielded information that identified Pippins as a suspect, and warrants were obtained for his arrest and the search of his residence. He was taken into custody the day after the assault.
The defendant was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Eife, supervisor of the Prosecutor’s Office Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Unit. The crime was investigated by the Pemberton Township Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. The lead investigators were Pemberton Township Police Department Detective Danielle Hann and Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Matthew Delgado, with assistance from Pemberton Township Police Officer Michael Brewer.
Det. Hann, Det. Delgado and Officer Brewer, along with the BCPO Crime Scene Unit, were recently recognized at the BCPO PROCOPS law enforcement awards banquet for their outstanding work investigating this crime, which led directly to the guilty plea and substantial prison term for this defendant.