Camden man gets 54 years in violent rape of A.C. hotel housekeeper

A Camden man was sentenced to 54 years in prison for the violent 2020 rape of a housekeeper inside an Atlantic City hotel.

Kye Hardison, 35, was convicted in September of aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault and burglary.

The first-degree aggravated sexual assault normally would carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years, but because of his criminal history the state pushed for an extended term.

Superior Court Judge William Todd Miller agreed.

Hardison was on probation for two cases out of Camden at the time of the attack, on charges that include threats and drugs.

He also had two prior arrests this year, including twice violating a domestic violence restraining order.

Hardison, 33, was inside a Claridge Hotel room July 7, 2020, when the 61-year-old woman entered to clean it, according to the original charges.

She tried to leave, but he followed her into the hallway and pushed her back into the room. She was then pushed into the bathroom, where she hit her head on the floor. She was then raped.

He has been jailed since his arrest.

Hardison must serve at least 85 percent before he is eligible for parole. With time served, he would be about 78.

Upon his release, he would have to register as a Megan's Law offender with lifetime parole supervision.