Atlantic City man arrested for alleged abuse of 12-year-old girl in drug exchange case
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — A man is facing serious charges after investigators say he began a sexual relationship with a 12-year-old girl, providing her with marijuana and vape pens in exchange for sexual acts, according to police.
The investigation was launched on Sunday after a parent reported concerns about their 13-year-old daughter’s relationship with an adult. Detectives from the Atlantic City Police Department’s Special Victims Unit uncovered text messages suggesting the relationship began when the child was 12. The messages also indicated that David Roary, 41, had given the girl marijuana and THC vape pens in connection with the alleged abuse.
Based on the evidence collected, a court-authorized search warrant was obtained for Roary’s residence on the 1100 block of Baltic Avenue. On Wednesday, members of the Atlantic City Police Department SWAT Team executed the warrant and arrested Roary without incident.
Roary has been charged with aggravated sexual assault, two counts of sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, endangering the welfare of a child, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS). The aggravated sexual assault charge is a first-degree offense under the Jessica Lunsford Act, which applies stricter penalties when the victim is under the age of 13.
Roary was taken to the Atlantic County Justice Facility following his arrest. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office assisted with the investigation. All charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone with information regarding the distribution of narcotics or related activity is urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department Special Victims Unit at 609-347-5858 or send an anonymous tip via text to tip411 (847411). Begin the message with ACPD.
