Sexual assault is a sex crime involving the unwanted or offensive touching of another person. The crime of sexual assault does not have to involve penetration and there is no statute of limitations on sexual assault crimes in the state of New Jersey. Due to the egregiousness of the crime, penalties for criminal sexual assault and other sex crimes can be particularly harsh. The specific penalties will depend on a variety of factors.
According to Passaic authorities, a 52-year-old man from Waldwick, New Jersey was arrested last week for allegedly sexually assaulting three underage girls a number of years ago. The man was taken into custody and is now facing two counts of criminal sexual contact, three counts of endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree sexual assault charges. He is being held at Clifton police headquarters until bail is set.
The arrest came after two women went to police headquarters in Clifton, New Jersey and reported that the 52-year-old Waldwick man had sexually assaulted them when they were between the ages of 13 and 15. The women are now 20 and 21. The man accused was of the crimes was reportedly a church friend of all of the victims. It is not clear why the women waited so many years to come forward with the allegations.
Individuals facing accusations of sex crimes like sexual assault face innumerable challenges in the eyes of the public. Whether they are true or not, accusations can affect a person’s professional life and damage their personal life irreparably. While it may seem like an uphill battle, there are many defenses available to counter sexual assault charges. The important part is to start fighting as soon as the charges are made. New Jersey residents who are fighting allegations of sexual assault should make sure their rights are protected and a strong defense is mounted on their behalf.
Source: NJ.com, “Waldwick man, 52, charged with sexually assaulting three underage girls,” Dan Ivers, June 29, 2013