Defendants Arrested for Crimes Against Children

DEFENDANTS ARRESTED FOR CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN

On 7/17/14, Ocean County Prosecutor Det. Lindsay Woodfield, along with Jackson Township Police Det. Robert Reiff arrested Rebecca L. Smith, 29, of Jackson, NJ on charges of Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Title 9 Child Abuse.

The 12 year old victim, who is known to the defendant, alleged that Smith physically assaulted him with the cord to his PlayStation controller.  The victim had numerous marks left on his body and face from the assault which were photographed and documented by Det. O’Hearn of Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CIU.  Det. Woodfield interviewed the victim who disclosed the assault and also disclosed that the defendant would use CDS while in the presence of the victim.  Additionally, the victim disclosed that the defendant failed to care for and feed his 8 year old sister.

Det. Woodfield, Det. Rieff prepared and executed a Search Warrant on the defendant’s residence.  Det. Matthews Scutti of CIU responded as well to process evidence seized at the defendant’s residence.  As a result of the search CDS and CDS paraphernalia were found.

Smith is lodged in the Ocean County Jail in lieu of $75,000, no 10% bail set by Ocean County Superior Court Judge Gizinski.  As per Nicole’s Law the defendant is to have no contact with the victim.

In a separate case on 7/17/14, Ocean County Prosecutor Det. Thomas Tiernan, along with Beachwood Police Det. Sean Langan and South Toms River Police Det. William Kosh arrested MARCELO F. SAAVEDRA, 56, of South Toms River on charges of Aggravated Sexual Assault, Sexual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  The two victims, ages 14 and 15, disclosed that the defendant sexually abused them and that the abuse began at the age of approximately 6 and continued for numerous years.

During the course of the investigation Det. Tiernan located others victims, who’s crimes unfortunately, fall outside the statute of limitations.  These victims also provided statements that they had been sexually abused by the defendant.

Saavedra is lodged in Ocean County Jail in lieu of $300,000, no 10% cash bail set by Ocean County Superior Court Judge Francis Hodgson.  As per Nicole’s Law the defendant is to have no contact with the victim.

NOTE: There is the potential for additional victims in this case.  The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office is encouraging any other victims to contact Det. Thomas Tiernan of the Prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit at 732-929-2027.

The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. See photos courtesy Ocean County Jail next page:

Rebecca L. Smith

Marcelo F. Saavedra