BRANCHBURG, N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor announced the arrest of Vincent Damiano, age 44, Jockey Hollow Road, Hampton, New Jersey in relation to sexual assault incidents that occurred in the Township of Branchburg while working as a martial arts instructor.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on November 22, 2021, an adult female victim reported being sexually assaulted by martial arts instructor, Vincent Damiano, at the age of 17. The victim was interviewed by detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit. As a result of this investigation, the victim disclosed incidents of sexual assault that occurred in Branchburg Township (Somerset County), Asbury (Warren County), and the Borough of Lebanon (Hunterdon County) from May 2019 to July 2019.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on November 24, 2021, it was reported to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office that a second adult female victim was sexually assaulted by martial arts instructor, Vincent Damiano from the ages of 16 through 18. The victim was interviewed by detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit. As a result of this investigation, the victim disclosed incidents of sexual assault that occurred in the Branchburg Township (Somerset County), and Asbury (Warren County) from July 2017 to July 2019.
As a result of this investigation, Vincent Damiano was arrested on January 6, 2022, at the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office by detectives from the Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit without incident.
Suspect released under N.J. bail reform
Defendant Damiano was charged with two counts of 2nd degree Sexual Assault and two counts of 3rd degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Defendant Damiano was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing. Defendant Damiano was subsequently released as a result of his detention hearing.
Prosecutor Robertson and Chief Fodor request anyone with information relating to the sexual assault investigation involving defendant Damiano to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes Unit (908) 231-7100 or the Branchburg Township Police Department at (908) 526-3830 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.