A Maplewood man convicted of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl was sentenced Thursday to 29 years in state prison.

Gery Destra (Essex County Prosecutor's Office)

Gery Detra, 21, must serve at least 25 years before he is eligible for parole, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said Friday.

Detra was convicted in October of aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault and child endangerment.

The Jessica Lunsford Act mandates that those convicted of raping a child younger than 13 are required to serve a minimum 25 year prison sentence without parole.

"This has been a long and trying ordeal for the victim and her family," Assistant Prosecutor Lyons Boswick said in a statement. "Yet, they had the strength and courage to see this through. Now, a man who poses a serious threat will be behind bars for a very, very long time."

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.