Tag:

Child Welfare

Forgotten On The Bus: 4-Year-Old Girl Never Made It To School, NJ Mom Demands Answers Forgotten On The Bus: 4-Year-Old Girl Never Made It To School, NJ Mom Demands Answers
Forgotten On The Bus: 4-Year-Old Girl Never Made It To School, NJ Mom Demands Answers A 4-year-old New Jersey girl was left on a school bus for nearly six hours in what her mother is calling a traumatic and preventable incident. Darielle Lugo said her daughter, Makani, was supposed to arrive at the Bargaintown Preschool in Egg Harbor Township around 9:25 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, after being put on the bus by her father.  But Makani never made it to class. The ordeal came to light when Darielle’s husband arrived at the school around 2:05 p.m. for a class party. After signing in with security, he discovered Makani had been marked absent. “I thought it was a joke…
Teacher's Aide Taped Boy To Desk For 50 Minutes, Teacher Did Nothing In Passaic County: Cops Teacher's Aide Taped Boy To Desk For 50 Minutes, Teacher Did Nothing In Passaic County: Cops
Teacher's Aide Taped Boy To Desk For 50 Minutes, Teacher Did Nothing In Passaic County: Cops A teacher and a teacher's aide are facing charges in Passaic County for taping a child to a desk for nearly one hour, authorities said. Todd Lewis, 57, of Wayne, a teacher's aide placed masking tape around the back of the 9-year-old boy's neck and secured it to the desk, where the child remained for approximately 40 to 50 minutes, while Sallyann Scala, 67, of Pompton Lakes, continued teaching at Lenox Elementary School on Oct. 31, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said. Scala reportedly failed to intervene, according to the child’s statement. On Dec. 11, 2024, based…
Child Sexually Assaulted By Bergen County Man: Prosecutor Child Sexually Assaulted By Bergen County Man: Prosecutor
Child Sexually Assaulted By Bergen County Man: Prosecutor A 23-year-old Bergen County man is accused of sexually assaulting a child, authorities said. Seeun Jang, of Ridgefield, is believed to have sexually assaulted the child multiple times in the borough when they were less than 16 years old, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. Jang was arrested Monday, Dec. 2, following an investigation launched on Nov. 25, and was charged with two counts of second-degree sexual assault, and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. He was transported to the Bergen County Jail pending a first appearance in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackens…
Juvenile Sexually Assaulted By Bergen County Man Repeatedly, Prosecutor Says Juvenile Sexually Assaulted By Bergen County Man Repeatedly, Prosecutor Says
Juvenile Sexually Assaulted By Bergen County Man Repeatedly, Prosecutor Says A 32-year-old Bergen County man has been arrested and charged with the sexual assault of a juvenile, authorities said. Wilmer Hernandez-Barrera, of Cliffside Park, is believed to have carried out the assault on Friday, Oct. 11 in Fairview, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. Further investigation found that Hernandez-Barrera assaulted the juvenile, who was under 16, multiple times, Musella said. Hernandez-Barrera was arrested Tuesday, Nov. 26 and charged with two counts of second-degree sexual assault, and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. He was reman…
Former Jersey Shore Gymnastics Coach Sexually Assaulted Girl, Police Say Former Jersey Shore Gymnastics Coach Sexually Assaulted Girl, Police Say
Former Jersey Shore Gymnastics Coach Sexually Assaulted Girl, Police Say A former Galloway Township gymnastics coach was accused of sexually assaulting a girl under 16 years old, authorities said. The Galloway Township Police Department announced the arrest of 51-year-old Matthew Shriver in a news release on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The Brigantine man was a co-owner of Everest Gymnastics and Tumbling Center in Galloway Township. The investigation began after officers received a report regarding the abuse accusations. Police said they obtained cell phone evidence that corroborated the victim’s statements.  This evidence led to search warrants for Shriver’s phone, perso…
NJ Performing Arts HS Teacher Confesses To Molesting Female Student, Prosecutors Say NJ Performing Arts HS Teacher Confesses To Molesting Female Student, Prosecutors Say
NJ Performing Arts HS Teacher Confesses To Molesting Female Student, Prosecutors Say A former teacher at an Ocean County performing arts academy admitted to molesting a female student, authorities said. Douglas Bollinger of Neptune City, pleaded guilty on Monday, Nov. 18, to endangering the welfare of a child, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Investigators said Bollinger, 57, engaged in "inappropriate sexual contact" with a student. The incidents happened in Point Pleasant Beach and Asbury Park between February and August 2019. Bollinger was a teacher at the Grunin Performing Arts Academy, part of Ocean County Vocational Tech…
Two Men Arrested On Child Sex Crime Charges In Separate Bergen County Cases: Prosecutor Two Men Arrested On Child Sex Crime Charges In Separate Bergen County Cases: Prosecutor
Two Men Arrested On Child Sex Crime Charges In Separate Bergen County Cases: Prosecutor Two men are facing charges in separate child sexual assault investigations, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced this week. In the first case, 18-year-old Justin M. Urgiles of Demarest faces charges of second-degree sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and assault, Musella said.  The Tenafly Police Department alerted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit on Sept. 14 regarding allegations involving a juvenile under 18 in Tenafly. Urgiles was arrested on Nov. 4 and remanded to the Bergen County Jail awaiting a court appearance. In the …
Former Columbia University VP Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting Pre-Teen At Bergen County Home Former Columbia University VP Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting Pre-Teen At Bergen County Home
Former Columbia University VP Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting Pre-Teen At Bergen County Home A former Columbia University vice president has been convicted of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13 years old at his Bergen County home, authorities announced. Marcelo Velez was found to have sexually assaulted the child at his home in Woodcliff Lake after the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office was notified in January 2021, Prosecutor Mark Musella said. Velez was convicted by a jury of aggravated sexual assault, two counts of sexual contact, and endangering the welfare of a child by engaging in sexual conduct following a three-week trial that began earlier this month. Col…
Man Sexually Assaulted Victim Since Age 5 For Years In Bergen County: Prosecutor Man Sexually Assaulted Victim Since Age 5 For Years In Bergen County: Prosecutor
Man Sexually Assaulted Victim Since Age 5 For Years In Bergen County: Prosecutor A 46-year-old Bergen County man has been arrested on accusations he sexually assaulted a child, authorities said. Pedro Osorio-Estrada assaulted the child multiple times when they were between ages 5 and 15 in Palisades Park, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. He was charged on Oct. 21, following an investigation with various counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact, Musella announced. Osorio-Estrada remains lodged in the Bergen County Jail p…
'Mrs. Maisel' Actor Sent Sexual Messages To 14-Year-Old In North Jersey: Sources 'Mrs. Maisel' Actor Sent Sexual Messages To 14-Year-Old In North Jersey: Sources
'Mrs. Maisel' Actor Sent Sexual Messages To 14-Year-Old In North Jersey: Sources A 31-year-old actor and Hawthorne resident was arrested and charged on Thursday, Oct. 10, with sending sexual messages to a 14-year-old girl, Daily Voice has learned. Matthew Kresch sent the text messages to the girl as part of an attempt to lure her into having sex, Hawthorne police said. He was charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and one count of luring. Kresch, whose birthday was Sunday, Oct. 13, co-directed the horror film "Alone Together" with his brother, William, and played a bartender on two episodes of "The Incredible Mrs. Maisel," IMDB shows. …
Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Child Under 16 Multiple Times In Bergen County: Prosecutor Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Child Under 16 Multiple Times In Bergen County: Prosecutor
Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Child Under 16 Multiple Times In Bergen County: Prosecutor A 19-year-old Bergen County man has been arrested on accusations he sexually assaulted a juvenile, authorities said. Juan Flores-Mejia sexually assaulted the child, who was under 16 years old, multiple times in Bogota, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. Flores-Mejia was arrested following an investigation by the county prosecutor's office on Oct. 4 and charged with four counts of second-degree sexual assault and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. He was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending a first appearance in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensa…
Bergen County Man, 65, Sexually Assaulted Victim Under 16: Prosecutor Bergen County Man, 65, Sexually Assaulted Victim Under 16: Prosecutor
Bergen County Man, 65, Sexually Assaulted Victim Under 16: Prosecutor A 65-year-old Bergen County man has been charged with sexually assaulting a child under 16 years old. Sylvester R. Jackson, of Westwood, allegedly sexually assaulted the victim on Sept. 28 in the borough of Westwood, an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office and Westwood police found, according to Prosecutor Mark Musella. Jackson was arrested on Wednesday, Oct. 2, and charged with endangering the welfare of a child and criminal sexual contact. He was lodged in the county jail pending a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.
Bergen County Man, 50, Assaulted Child Under 16: Prosecutor Bergen County Man, 50, Assaulted Child Under 16: Prosecutor
Bergen County Man, 50, Assaulted Child Under 16: Prosecutor A 50-year-old Bergen County man has been charged with assaulting a child under the age of 16 years old, authorities said. Chen Chu "Teddy" Koo, of Tenafly, was investigated by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office following a tip from the NJ Division of Child Protection and Permanency that came in on Monday, Sept. 30, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. Koo was arrested that day and charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and fourth-degree child abuse. He was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending a first appearance in Bergen County Superior Court in …
Mugshot Of Bergen County Snapchatter Accused Of Luring Juvenile To NJ Hotel For Sex Released Mugshot Of Bergen County Snapchatter Accused Of Luring Juvenile To NJ Hotel For Sex Released
Mugshot Of Bergen County Snapchatter Accused Of Luring Juvenile To NJ Hotel For Sex Released Daily Voice has received the mugshot of a 37-year-old Pennsylvania man accused of arranging a sexual encounter with a child under 16 years old at a New Jersey hotel. Thomas G. Rutledge, of Green Lane (Montgomery County), PA began talking with the child over Snapchat, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. Rutledge was a stranger to the child, and engaged in "sexually explicit" conversations, Musella said. Teaneck police were tipped off to an incident of luring within their jurisdiction on Monday, Feb. 19. An investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office und…
Man Sexually Assaulted Pre-Teen In His Care, Bergen County Prosecutor Says Man Sexually Assaulted Pre-Teen In His Care, Bergen County Prosecutor Says
Man Sexually Assaulted Pre-Teen In His Care, Bergen County Prosecutor Says A 36-year-old Bergen County man has been jailed on accusations he sexually assaulted a child, authorities said. An investigation into Vincenzo Carbone, of Hasbrouck Heights, was launched on Wednesday, June 5, after the Division of Child Protection and Permanency contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit regarding prior instances of sexual abuse, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said.  The investigation found that Carbone sexually assaulted a child under the age of 13 in Hasbrouck Heights, Musella said. The affidavit obtained by Daily Voice shows the…
Pre-Teen Sexually Assaulted By Bergen County Man, Prosecutor Says Pre-Teen Sexually Assaulted By Bergen County Man, Prosecutor Says
Pre-Teen Sexually Assaulted By Bergen County Man, Prosecutor Says A 49-year-old man has been charged with sexually assaulting a juvenile in Cliffside Park, authorities said. Daniel Lauture, of Cliffside Park, has been charged with sexual assault by contact and endangering the welfare of a child, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said on Monday, Sept. 23. On Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, the Cliffside Park Police Department contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit regarding the abuse of a child.  An investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Cliffside Park Police Department found that Lauture "engage…
Woman Charged In Stabbing Of 4-Year-Old In Paterson, Prosecutor Says Woman Charged In Stabbing Of 4-Year-Old In Paterson, Prosecutor Says
Woman Charged In Stabbing Of 4-Year-Old In Paterson, Prosecutor Says A woman has been arrested in the stabbing of a 4-year-old child last month in Paterson, authorities announced. Mabel Campechano, of Paterson, has been charged with attempted murder after police found the toddler suffering stab wounds in a home on East 24th Street and 10th Avenue in Paterson on Aug. 23, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Department Officer-In-Charge Isa Abbassi said. The child was rushed to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson for treatment and an investigation was launched. The child suffered a punctured lung, liver, and mo…
NJ Mom Believed Killed By Husband Survived By 4 Daughters, Campaign Says NJ Mom Believed Killed By Husband Survived By 4 Daughters, Campaign Says
NJ Mom Believed Killed By Husband Survived By 4 Daughters, Campaign Says Support is on the rise for four girls mourning the loss of their 40-year-old mother, who authorities said was stabbed dead by her husband this weekend in New Jersey. A GoFundMe campaign launched for Rosana Rodriguez's daughters had raised more than $10,000 as of Sunday, Sept. 22, more than 24 hours after she was found lying on the kitchen floor of a Perth Amboy home with stab wounds next to her husband, Wellington Leonard, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Officers were called to the Bertrand Avenue home around 3 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ci…
FBI Captures Man Who Sexually Assaulted Child In Bergen County For Months, Prosecutor Says FBI Captures Man Who Sexually Assaulted Child In Bergen County For Months, Prosecutor Says
FBI Captures Man Who Sexually Assaulted Child In Bergen County For Months, Prosecutor Says A 36-year-old New York man has been charged with the sexual assault of a child in Bergen County, police said. Renaldo W. Baxter assaulted a child under the age of 16 years old in Garfield and Teaneck between April and October 2019, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. The investigation began on Friday, May 31, when Garfield police contacted the prosecutor's office about the alleged abuse, Musella said. Baxter was charged with one count of second-degree attempted aggravated assault, one count of second-degree sexual assault, and two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare…
NJ Performing Arts High School Teacher Molested Female Student, Prosecutors Say NJ Performing Arts High School Teacher Molested Female Student, Prosecutors Say
NJ Performing Arts High School Teacher Molested Female Student, Prosecutors Say A former teacher at an Ocean County performing arts high school was accused of molesting a female student, authorities said. Douglas Bollinger, 56, of Neptune City, was charged on Monday, Aug. 12 with two counts each of endangering the welfare of a child and criminal sexual contact, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Bollinger was a teacher at the Grunin Performing Arts Academy at Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS). The academy had 240 students as of September 2023 and offers high schoolers opportunities to take dual-credit co…
NJ Youth Soccer Coach Accused Of More Sexual Crimes Against Ninth Player, Prosecutors Say NJ Youth Soccer Coach Accused Of More Sexual Crimes Against Ninth Player, Prosecutors Say
NJ Youth Soccer Coach Accused Of More Sexual Crimes Against Ninth Player, Prosecutors Say A Monmouth County youth soccer coach accused of molesting two players and sending sexual pictures to others was given more charges, authorities said. A grand jury indicted 32-year-old Ryan Gunsauls of Union Beach on 30 counts, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Tuesday, Aug. 14. He was previously arrested in the case in Hazlet on Friday, May 11.  Investigators said one boy told police earlier in May that Gunsauls had been sending him "sexually explicit materials" and asking for them on social media. Eight more victims bet…
6-Foot-5 Youth Camp Worker Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Child Multiple Times In Bergen County 6-Foot-5 Youth Camp Worker Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Child Multiple Times In Bergen County
6-Foot-5 Youth Camp Worker Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Child Multiple Times In Bergen County A 32-year-old New York man has been charged with sexually assaulting a child while working as a support services director at a youth camp in one of New Jersey's wealthiest towns. Jelanie McKenzie, of Queens, had been working at the youth camp when he sexually assaulted a child under 16 years old on multiple occasions in Alpine, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. The alleged assaults began in March 2024, according to Musella. On Thursday, July 25, McKenzie was charged with four counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree endangering the welfare of a chi…
Demarest Man Sexually Assaulted Child Under 13 Several Times, Prosecutors Say Demarest Man Sexually Assaulted Child Under 13 Several Times, Prosecutors Say
Demarest Man Sexually Assaulted Child Under 13 Several Times, Prosecutors Say A Demarest man was accused of sexually assaulting a child under 13 years old several times, authorities said. Errol Daludado, 44, was charged with two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said in a news release on Tuesday, July 23. The state Division of Child Protection and Permanency contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office on Monday, July 22. DCP&P reported that Daludado had sexually assaulted the child in the past County and Demarest investigators said Daludad…
Teacher Seen Assaulting Student In Disturbing Video Charged In Essex County: Cops Teacher Seen Assaulting Student In Disturbing Video Charged In Essex County: Cops
Teacher Seen Assaulting Student In Disturbing Video Charged In Essex County: Cops A West Orange teacher has been arrested for assaulting an 11-year-old student, authorities said. Jaron Spicer, 32, of Bayonne, has been charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and simple assault — a disorderly persons offense — following an incident on April 18, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II and West Orange Police Chief James P. Abbott said. Disturbing footage shared by Pix11 shows Spicer, a teacher at Mt. Carmel Guild Academy on Valley Way, throwing the boy to the ground and holding him down with his own body weight. The outlet s…
Child Sexually Abused By Central Jersey Man In Bergenfield Repeatedly, Prosecutor Says Child Sexually Abused By Central Jersey Man In Bergenfield Repeatedly, Prosecutor Says
Child Sexually Abused By Central Jersey Man In Bergenfield Repeatedly, Prosecutor Says A 20-year-old Middlesex County man was arrested and charged on Wednesday, July 17, with sexually assaulting a child in Bergenfield, authorities said. In May, Bergenfield police and the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office began investigating the sexual assault of a juvenile under the age of 16 and determined Richard Simko had assaulted them on multiple occasions, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. Simko was arrested in Woodbridge and charged with five counts of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.  He was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending a court …
Bergen County Pastor Repeatedly Performed Sex Acts On Child: Criminal Complaint Bergen County Pastor Repeatedly Performed Sex Acts On Child: Criminal Complaint
Bergen County Pastor Repeatedly Performed Sex Acts On Child: Criminal Complaint A 74-year-old Paramus church pastor has been arrested and charged with 21 counts of sexual offenses for disturbing sexual assaults on a girl between ages 13 and 18 for years, authorities announced Friday, July 12. Stephen E. Sweet, the pastor at Grace's Lutheran Church in River Edge, became the center of an investigation on Thursday, July 11, on a tip that he'd sexually assaulted a juvenile in the past, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. ** WARNING: The following news article contains graphic and disturbing information. Reader discretion is advised ** Sweet sexually assaulted…
Grand Jury Declines To Charge NJ Principal Arrested Last Spring Grand Jury Declines To Charge NJ Principal Arrested Last Spring
Grand Jury Declines To Charge NJ Principal Arrested Last Spring An Essex County Grand Jury declined to indict Columbia High School principal Frank Sanchez on charges of endangering the welfare of a child on Thursday, June 13, authorities announced. Sanchez still faces charges of simple assault stemming from an incident involving a student in January at the school in the South Orangewood-Maplewood School District, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said. The principal was suspended from his job following the alleged incident, as reported by Daily Voice when charges were filed in March. Dr. Kevin F. Gilbert, Acting Superintendent of the South Orange &a…
NJ Rapist Told 15-Year-Old They Can Do It Again If She's 'Not A Snitch,' Police Papers Say NJ Rapist Told 15-Year-Old They Can Do It Again If She's 'Not A Snitch,' Police Papers Say
NJ Rapist Told 15-Year-Old They Can Do It Again If She's 'Not A Snitch,' Police Papers Say Disturbing details have come to light in the case of a 41-year-old man arrested for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl this month in North Jersey. According to the affidavit for probable cause obtained by Daily Voice, Solomon Blay was in a white SUV when he approached his victim, who was walking home from school. Blay called the girl over to his vehicle, asked her age, and if she wanted a ride home, police papers said. She agreed, but instead of taking the girl home, Blay took her to his home, a basement of a home on Brighton Street in Union, the affidavit says. ** WARNING: The followi…
Clifton Man Used Messenger Service To Meet Kids For Sex: Morris County Prosecutor Clifton Man Used Messenger Service To Meet Kids For Sex: Morris County Prosecutor
Clifton Man Used Messenger Service To Meet Kids For Sex: Morris County Prosecutor A 41-year-old Clifton man was arrested and charged after he used a messenger service to make plans to meet children for sex in Morris County, authorities said.  Last month, Brian Stewart engaged in sexual communications with two children on KIK Messenger and made plans to meet up with them in Boontown Township for the purpose of having sexual intercourse, Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll said. Stewart used the handle "Brian Being Brian" on KIK, authorities said. He was charged with two counts of luring, four counts of attempted aggravate sexual assault, attempted endangerin…
Dad Charged With Murder In 9-Year-Old Son's Death Is Employed By Sayreville Schools: Officials Dad Charged With Murder In 9-Year-Old Son's Death Is Employed By Sayreville Schools: Officials
Dad Charged With Murder In 9-Year-Old Son's Death Is Employed By Sayreville Schools: Officials Charges have been upgraded for a New Jersey dad whose deceased 9-year-old son was found in a burning vehicle, authorities said. Manuel Rivera has been charged with second-degree aggravated arson, first-degree murder, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and second-degree desecration of human remains, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said. According to Sayreville Schools Superintendent Richard Labbe, 43-year-old Rivera was employed by the district, and his son was a student at the Wilson School. The charges were filed in connection with an incident Thursday…
NJ Rapist Who Impregnated Girl Under 13 Years Old Sentenced NJ Rapist Who Impregnated Girl Under 13 Years Old Sentenced
NJ Rapist Who Impregnated Girl Under 13 Years Old Sentenced A Millville man was sentenced to 40 years in New Jersey State Prison for sexual assault after impregnating a girl under 13 years old, authorities said. Justin Kuhl, 32, was arrested in September 2020 for assaulting the minor, resulting in her pregnancy, according to Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae. Kuhl was later found guilty of two counts of First Degree Aggravated Sexual Assault and two counts and Second Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and sentenced on Wednesday, March 27. The investigation was conducted by members of the New Jersey St…