HACKENSACK, NJ – A Hackensack man has been arrested following a joint investigation that led to charges of sexual assault and child endangerment involving a juvenile, authorities said Friday.
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 46-year-old Jorge E. Mejia after investigators connected incidents that occurred in both Garfield and Hackensack.
Officials say the investigation began Thursday after Garfield Police contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit regarding an alleged assault reported earlier that day.
Key Points
- 46-year-old Jorge E. Mejia of Hackensack charged with sexual assault and child endangerment
- Investigation began after Garfield Police reported alleged assault on a juvenile
- Mejia held in Bergen County Jail pending court appearance
Investigation uncovered multiple incidents
Detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Garfield Police Department, and Hackensack Police Department determined that Mejia allegedly sexually assaulted and endangered a juvenile on multiple occasions between July and October in both Garfield and Hackensack.
Multiple charges filed
Following the investigation, Mejia was charged with four counts of second-degree sexual assault and one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. He was taken into custody on Friday and remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending a first appearance in Superior Court in Hackensack.
Prosecutor stresses presumption of innocence
Prosecutor Musella emphasized that the charges are accusations and that Mejia is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. He credited the Garfield and Hackensack Police Departments for their cooperation during the investigation.