Former newspaper editor sentenced for sexual abuse

MORRISTOWN — The former managing editor of the Sparta Independent and the Township Journal has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for sexually abusing a young girl for several years and molesting her half-sister when she visited the United States. Mario Palomo, 49, must serve 34 years of the term imposed Friday before becoming eligible for parole. He was convicted this summer on 25 counts, including aggravated sexual assault, sexual abuse and child endangerment. One victim said Palomo repeatedly abused her over a seven-year period, starting when she was 9 years old. Her half-sister said she was 9 when Palomo sexually abused her. Prosecutors say the abuse occurred at homes Palomo owned in Morris and Warren counties.