Key Points
- Elmer Barranco, 22, was charged with sexual assault and endangering a minor.
- The incident occurred in Oakland, N.J., on March 27 after police responded to a report of a child in distress.
- Barranco remains in custody pending a court appearance in Hackensack.
OAKLAND, N.J. — A Union City man has been charged with multiple sexual offenses and child endangerment following a joint investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Oakland Police Department, officials announced Friday.
Elmer Barranco, 22, was arrested in Oakland after police responded to reports of a disturbance involving a juvenile in a vehicle. Authorities say the child, aged between 13 and 16, was found with Barranco, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
Officials did not release Barranco’s immigration status or disclose whether or not there were active detainers for him with any federal agencies.
“Officers located the vehicle and its driver, who was later identified as Elmer Barranco,” the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office stated. “He was observed to be under the influence of alcohol.”
Detectives allege that Barranco, who knew the victim, sexually assaulted and endangered the child in Oakland and Clifton, N.J., on March 27. The case is being handled by the Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and Oakland police.
Barranco has been charged with two counts of second-degree sexual assault, two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact. He also received summonses for several motor vehicle violations.
Barranco is being held at the Bergen County Jail and is awaiting a first court appearance in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack.