Working with children as a teacher, daycare provider, or volunteer is often a calling. You care for children because you enjoy giving back to the next generation, not just for a paycheck. But, working with children can often leave you more vulnerable to accusations of sexual misconduct with a child.

For example, police recently arrested a Bloomingdale, New Jersey, man accusing him of the sexual assault of a child in an afterschool care program. He faces multiple felony charges and decades in jail. If you're facing serious criminal accusations of sexual assault, you need the experienced Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team. Call us today at 888.535.3686 to see how they can help you.

Accusations of Sexual Assault in Afterschool Care

The charges stem from a call to the Englewood Police Department to the prosecutor's Special Victim's Unit about an alleged sexual assault of a minor under 13. The investigation revealed that the accused was an afterschool aide supervising children.

Because the man was in a supervisory role and accused of sexually assaulting a child under 13, he faces serious criminal charges. Bergen County prosecutor Mark Musella announced the man faces charges of aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault by sexual contact, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Sexual Assault of a Child in New Jersey

In New Jersey, aggravated sexual assault is a felony. New Jersey law defines sexual assault as any unwanted, coerced, or unwelcome sexual behavior. However, aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree offense that involves sexual penetration:

• Involving a victim under 13,
• During the commission of a homicide, burglary, or other serious offense,
• While in possession of a deadly weapon or if the perpetrator implies they have a deadly weapon,
• With the assistance of another person with force or coercion,
• With a force that injures the victim, or
• With a victim who is mentally impaired, helpless, or unable to give consent.

A conviction for aggravated sexual assault can result in a prison sentence of ten to 20 years and fines of up to $200,000. Anyone convicted of sexual assault must also register as a sex offender with the Division of State Police's publicly available registry.

You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

It's important to note that aggravated sexual assault and most sexual assault charges involving children aren't eligible for expungement or sealing under New Jersey law. That means that a conviction, even without serious jail time, could result in an inability to maintain a professional license, work with children, or even volunteer in the community. Moreover, a felony conviction for sexual assault will follow you for years, limiting the jobs you can take and even where you can live. That's why it's so important to aggressively defend the charges, particularly if you've been unfairly accused of something you didn't do. But you don't have to handle this alone. You need the experienced Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team to protect your rights in the criminal justice system. Don't get railroaded by an overzealous prosecutor. Call the Team at 888.535.3686 to schedule a consultation, or contact them online today.