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A Bayonne man was sentenced to 26 years in prison today for repeatedly raping his step-granddaughter when she was between ages 10 and 12.

(Jersey Journal file photo)

Before a 44-year-old Bayonne man was sentenced today to 26 years in prison for repeatedly raping his step-granddaughter over a two-year span, the girl, now 14, told the judge in a Jersey City courtroom that her life has been changed forever.

"He took my innocence and purity," the girl told Hudson County Superior Court Judge Lisa Rose as roughly 16 family members, including the girl's mother, looked on. "He may have acted like a good grandfather around people, but he found it easy to take advantage of me ... being scared kept me from talking."

The 44-year-old Bayonne man, who was found guilty of sexually assaulting the girl and endangering the welfare of a child, was sentenced to 26 years behind bars. The maximum number of years he faced was 30 years. He must serve 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole, Rose said.

The man repeatedly raped the girl when she was between 10- and 12-years-old, prosecutors said. His name is being left out of this story to protect the identity of the girl.

At least one of the assaults took place at the man's home while other kids played outside, according to court testimony.

The girl's mother also offered a statement, but Assistant Prosecutor Stephanie McClure had to read it.

"I feel very distraught and betrayed by our own family, I just need closure, and so does my family" the mother wrote.

The courtroom seemed separated into two camps, one supporting the girl and one there to support the step-grandfather.

The Bayonne man cried throughout the two-hour proceedings.

When he was given the chance to make a statement, he maintained his innocence, and never addressed the victim.

"One day the truth will come out," he said through tears. "I pray everyday for my family and those involved in this."

He was found guilty on all counts on Nov. 16, 2012.

According to McClure, the victim swore her brothers to secrecy, but asked them not to leave her alone with the step-grandfather. One of her brothers eventually broke his sworn silence after seeing his little sister locked up in her room scared, McClure said.

"The vile acts upon this child were unrelenting," McClure said.