Morris County NJ Acting ProsecutorA Dover New Jersey man allegedly admitted to sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 16.

According to Morris County prosecutors, 23-year-old Erick Celis confessed to committing several sexual assaults against a young girl. The investigation into Celis began when the victim spoke with prosecutors and told them that Celis had been sexually assaulting her for roughly two years.

During an initial interview with investigators from the Sex Crimes / Child Endangerment Unit, Celis denied having ever had contact with the victim. However, authorities say that Celis later changed his story and confessed to the assaults.

Celis has been charged with several crimes, including first degree aggravated sexual assault, second degree sexual assault, and third degree endangering the welfare of a child.

In New Jersey, aggravated sexual assault is addressed by N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2a. According to the statute, first degree aggravated sexual assault is punishable by a sentence of up to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison, with a minimum sentence of 10 years behind bars.

Additionally, Celis could be deported after serving any prison sentence because he is a Mexican citizen who is allegedly in the country illegally.

To learn more about this case, check out the NJ.com article entitled “Dover Man Admits ‘Numerous Acts’ of Sexual Assault Against Girl, Prosecutor Says.

 

If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in New Jersey, contact Morristown NJ criminal defense attorney Alissa D. Hascup for a free consultation about your case.