ARREST IN LAKEWOOD SEXUAL ASSAULT
On Wednesday, September 30, 2015, Lakewood Police Det. Nate Reyes and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Special Victim’s Unit Det. Melissa Matthews arrested Armando Lima Vergara, 31, of Lakewood for Sexual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
The investigation initiated on August 12, 2015 alleges Vergara sexually assaulted a twelve (12) year old female, who is known to him, approximately six years ago when she was (6) years of age on multiple occasions. Upon completion of the investigation, the partnering detectives made numerous attempts to locate Vergara. Ultimately, the suspect learning the detectives were searching for him voluntarily responded to the Lakewood Police Department on Wednesday (9/30) and was taken into custody.
Based on the completed investigation Senior Assistant Prosecutor Terry Linardakis advised the suspect be charged with Sexual Assault pursuant to NJSA 2C: 14-2b and Endangering the Welfare of a Child pursuant to NJSA 2C: 24-4a. Bail was set by the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels at $150,000 with no 10% option. Nicole’s Law and a no victim contact order were implemented. Accordingly, ICE was notified. The defendant was remanded to the Ocean County Jail in lieu of bail.
The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Armando Lima Vergara
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