TEWKSBURY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A 21-year-old Tewksbury Township man, identified by prosecutors as a Monmouth University student, faces multiple felony charges after a juvenile girl sought help at a nearby residence and reported that she had been sexually assaulted in a wooded area, according to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office.
Mateo Liriano was arrested and charged with kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child and related offenses following an investigation by local and county authorities. Liriano was a star soccer player at Vorhees High School and played soccer for Penn State Brandywine.
According to Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson, the investigation began on Friday, May 22, when Hunterdon County Communications received a 911 call from a homeowner in Tewksbury Township.
The caller reported that an unidentified juvenile female was attempting to enter the residence and appeared emotionally distressed. The girl allegedly told the homeowner she had been sexually assaulted in a nearby wooded area.
Officers from the Tewksbury Township, Clinton Township and Readington Township police departments responded to the scene.
Emergency medical personnel transported the juvenile to Hunterdon Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.
Social Media Contact Led to Meeting, Prosecutors Say
According to court documents, investigators determined the juvenile and Liriano had communicated through the Wizz social networking application and later through Snapchat.
Prosecutors allege that Liriano invited the girl to attend a party and arranged transportation for her to travel to Tewksbury Township.
After arriving, the juvenile allegedly accompanied Liriano away from the residence where the gathering was supposed to occur.
Investigators allege that alcohol was provided to the victim and that she later became intoxicated.
Allegations Detailed in Criminal Complaint
According to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office, the pair eventually entered a wooded area where prosecutors allege a sexual assault occurred.
Authorities allege that when the juvenile attempted to leave and stop the encounter, Liriano prevented her from doing so.
The criminal complaint further alleges that the victim was restrained during the incident.
The allegations have not been tested in court.
Key Points
• A 21-year-old Tewksbury Township man faces kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault charges.
• Authorities say the investigation began after a juvenile sought help at a nearby residence.
• Prosecutors allege the suspect and victim met through social media platforms.
• The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Detention Hearing Scheduled
Liriano is charged with:
- First-degree kidnapping
- First-degree aggravated sexual assault
- Second-degree aggravated assault
- Second-degree sexual assault
- Second-degree endangering the welfare of a child
- Third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact
- Fourth-degree endangering
The Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion seeking to detain Liriano pending trial.
A detention hearing is scheduled for June 1, and a pre-indictment conference is set for July 6 before Superior Court Judge Christopher J. Garrenger.
Liriano is represented by attorney Ernesto Cerimele.
Authorities emphasized that the charges are accusations and that Liriano is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Julia Ahern at 908-284-6182 or the Hunterdon County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-321-0010.
