NJ man gets 10 years for dragging woman into alley and sexually assaulting her

Surveillance video led investigators to a nearby apartment building where police recovered clothing tied to the attack

WEST NEW YORK, NJ – A West New York man will spend 10 years in state prison after admitting he forced a 40-year-old woman into an alley and sexually assaulted her, with surveillance footage helping investigators track him to a nearby apartment building.

Carlos Ruiz Castro, 30, of West New York, was sentenced Friday by Superior Court Judge Nesle Rodriguez, according to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.

Castro previously pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree aggravated sexual assault.

The case stems from an attack reported on July 27, 2024, near Hudson Avenue and 51st Street in West New York.

The 40-year-old victim told police that a man she did not know forced her into an alleyway and sexually assaulted her.

Investigators obtained surveillance footage that captured Castro leaving the area and entering a nearby apartment building, according to prosecutors.

A court-authorized search of Castro’s residence later resulted in investigators recovering clothing he had worn at the time of the assault.

Castro’s 10-year sentence is subject to New Jersey’s No Early Release Act.

He will also be subject to Megan’s Law registration and parole supervision for life.

The sentence additionally includes an Avenel evaluation and a restraining order under Nicole’s Law.

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office said Assistant Prosecutor Andrew Baginski represented the state in the case.

Key Points

Carlos Ruiz Castro, 30, was sentenced to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison for the 2024 sexual assault of a 40-year-old woman in West New York.
The victim reported that an unknown man forced her into an alley near Hudson Avenue and 51st Street and sexually assaulted her.
Surveillance footage led investigators to a nearby apartment building, and a search of Castro’s residence recovered clothing worn during the offense.