BRONX MAN IS SENTENCED TO TEN YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR THE 2004 ATTACK OF ICE CREAM TRUCK OWNERS

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that 53 year-old Fernando Esparza has been sentenced to a term of ten years imprisonment for assaulting the owner / operators of an ice cream truck in March 2004, in an attempt to take control of the victims' financially lucrative ice cream truck route.

Esparza, of 645 Barretto Street, the Bronx, pled guilty last month to 2 counts of Assault in the 1st degree in the severe beatings of Luis and Juana (Jenny) Marrero.

State Supreme Court Justice Lawrence Bernstein sentenced Esparza to concurrent terms of ten years imprisonment for each count of assault, with five years post release supervision. The judge also issued a permanent order of protection for each victim which includes the couple's granddaughter Dominique Donofrio.

The incident occurred on March 27, 2004 as the Marreros and their granddaughter returned to the truck depot in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx. Esparza admitted striking Juana Marrero in the face and head and Luis Marrero in the head with a hard orange object.

The Marreros sustained numerous skull fractures which required emergency treatment. Juana Marrero remained hospitalized for more than one month.

This case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Debra Guarnieri of the Trial Division.