Police in Morris County and Monmouth County worked together to investigate and arrest a Long Branch man who allegedly sexually assaulted a six-year-old girl.

A Morris County Prosecutor’s Office press release indicated that authorities began investigating the 26-year-old suspect after the young victim revealed the sexual assault to police. According to the press release, the victim said that the suspect sexually penetrated her on at least one occasion.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes / Child Endangerment Unit led the investigation. The department was assisted by several other NJ agencies, including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the Lakewood Police Department, and the Dover Police Department.

When he was arrested, the suspect was apparently working as a home health aide. Additionally, the press released indicated that the suspect is also a reservist in the U.S. Marine Corps.

After being arrested, the suspect was charged with several criminal offenses, including aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, and endangering the welfare of a child.

If the suspect is ultimately convicted of these crimes, he could end up going to prison for a very long time. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2a, a person commits aggravated sexual assault if he sexually penetrates a victim who is under the age of 13. The statute classifies this offense as a first degree felony, which means that the suspect could be sentenced to 10–20 years in NJ State Prison.

Following his arrest, the suspect was taken to the Morris County Correctional Facility in Morristown. He is being held at the jail on $150,000 bail while he awaits trial.

To learn more, view the NJ.com article entitled “Long Branch Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting 6-Year-Old Girl.”

If you are facing aggravated sexual assault charges in New Jersey, contact Morristown NJ criminal defense attorney Travis J. Tormey for a free consultation about your case.