MAN PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO SEX ASSAULT

Francisco Osoria, a 35 year old Passaic man, pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a city girl over a seven year period.  He is free on $35,000 bail after being charged with aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, and child endangerment.  Previously, his bail was $50,000 but it was reduced by state Superior Court Judge Marilyn C. Clark.  He started molesting the girl when she was 10 and began raping her after she turned 15.  The girl, who is now 17, knew him.  She said he raped her about five times a month during that two year time period.  If he is convicted, he faces a maximum 20 year prison term on the most serious charge.

(New Jersey)