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The six-count indictment accuses of Kevin Van Mater, 45, of “penile/vaginal penetration,” attempted anal penetration and fellatio on the girl, as well as touching her buttocks and making contact with his penis. He also is charged with impairing the morals of a minor.
Van Mater spent four months behind bars before being released May 12 after his mother posted property in lieu of $500,000 cash bail.
The girl, now 15, told Special Victims Unit detectives that he “engaged in inappropriate sexual activity” with her at his Broad Avenue apartment when she was 10, Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli said at the time.
Defense attorney John Bruno, Kevin Van Mater, Nancy Van Mater in court in May (STORY / PHOTOS: Mary K. Miraglia, CLIFFVIEW PILOT Courthouse Reporter)
Van Mater, who is single and unemployed, voluntarily came to the prosecutor’s Paramus office and was arrested after being interviewed, Molinelli said.
Nancy Van Mater stood by her son in court days later and provided proof that her home is worth more than the required bail. Presiding Superior Court Judge Liliana DeAvila-Silebi explained the legal responsibilities and then accepted the property bond.
“If he fails to appear, the bail gets forfeited immediately,” the judge told her. “And you may also be liable for costs.”
Because the alleged victim lives near the elder Van Mater’s house, her son is staying with a family friend in West Milford who lives only with his father, the mother said.
The 5-foot-10-inch, 255-pound Van Mater comes from a family of firefighters and police officers known throughout town.
STORY / PHOTOS: Mary K. Miraglia, CLIFFVIEW PILOT Courthouse Reporter
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CLIFFVIEW PILOT broke the story of Van Mater’s arrest: Member of well-known Leonia family charged with sexually assaulting girl, 10
It was then confirmed by Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli (w/more details)
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