NORTH BERGEN, NJ – A 43-year-old man has been arrested and charged with kidnapping and sexually assaulting a juvenile following an investigation by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit.
New Jersey is a sanctuary state under New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
Jesus Ruiz Merino was taken into custody at his North Bergen residence Thursday and is being held at the Hudson County Correctional Center pending a court appearance.
Investigators say the arrest stems from an incident earlier this week involving a 14-year-old girl who reported being abducted and assaulted by an unknown man.
Authorities said the juvenile was approached near 60th Street and Bergenline Avenue in West New York before being driven to a Route 3 motel in Secaucus.
Prosecutor outlines multiple charges
Acting Hudson County Prosecutor Wayne Mello announced that Merino faces multiple counts, including first-degree kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault, as well as charges of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
The investigation revealed that the victim was lured into the suspect’s vehicle under the guise of receiving a ride. Once at the motel, she was allegedly assaulted before managing to report the incident to police.
Multiple agencies credited in arrest
Prosecutor Mello credited the coordinated work of the Special Victims Unit, Secaucus Police Department, and West New York Police Department for swiftly identifying and apprehending the suspect.
Authorities emphasized that the charges are accusations at this stage and that Merino is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office continues to investigate the case alongside local law enforcement.
Officials say the swift arrest reflects close interagency cooperation across Hudson County.