Being accused and possibly convicted of a crime can often have long-term repercussions on a person’s life. A sex crime in particular can carry with it negative consequences associated that can affect an individual’s personal life as well as professional life. Some consequences may include jail time and being placed on a sex offender registry.
Hackensack readers may have heard of recent charges leveled against a volunteer deputy sheriff from nearby Passaic County. The 53-year-old man is accused of sexually assaulting a teenage boy. His alleged victim claimed to officers just this month that he had been assaulted multiple times during the summer of 2000, when he was 13 years old. The alleged victim was working a summer job at a store that the defendant then owned.
Statements from police allege that other evidence they have gathered could prove that the suspect may have other victims. The man is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated sexual assault. If convicted, the defendant could spend up to 30 years in jail.
While maintaining sensitivity toward the alleged victim, it is fair to ask why he took 12 years to come forward about the assault. What evidence could he produce to back up his claims beyond his word? It’s important that the suspect receive a fair hearing and that people don’t jump to conclusions, because everyone has the right to a fair trial. The accusations remain just accusations at this point.
Source: NJ.com, “Volunteer Passaic County sheriff’s deputy charged with sexual assault of boy, 13,” Dan Ivers, Feb. 14, 2013
