Delaware man sentenced for sexual assault of New Jersey teenager

A now disagreed former teacher from Delaware, who was arrested for allegedly having intercourse with a New Jersey girl under the age of 16, has now been given a prison sentence.

Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Cary Shill announced on Friday afternoon that 37-year old Thomas Herlihy of New Castle, Delaware will spend seven years in prison at the Avenel facility due to the fact that "he was found to be a repetitive and compulsive sex offender."

Herlihy must serve at least 85-percent of the sentence in accordance with the No Early Release Act and will be subject to Megan’s Law registration and Parole Supervision for Life and is barred from having any type of contact with the victim, pursuant to Nicole’s Law.

He entered a plea of guilty to first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault back in August of 2021.

Atlantic County Prosecutors learned that Herlihy supervised the girl while she was a student where he was a teacher at that time.

The sexual encounters occurred on or about June 1, 2016 when Herlihy was allegedly in a sexual relationship with the girl, who was under 16-years old at that time.

A multi-jurisdictional investigation between the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office, Delaware State Police and the FBI found out that Herlihy had "multiple acts of sexual penetration" with the girl on or around that day when they were both visiting Atlantic City together.

Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Cary Shill said that Assistant Atlantic County Prosecutor Marisa G. McGarvey represents the state in this matter.