HACKENSACK, NJ – A 42-year-old Hackensack woman has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child after authorities say she knew about a juvenile being sexually assaulted and failed to stop it.
Jennifer Garcia-Mota was arrested in Paramus on Friday after investigators determined she had prior knowledge of the alleged assaults and allowed them to continue.
She is charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and is being held in the Bergen County Jail pending her first court appearance.
Key Points
- Jennifer Garcia-Mota, 42, of Hackensack, was charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.
- Investigators say she knew about past sexual assaults of a juvenile and let them continue.
- Garcia-Mota was arrested in Paramus and remains in custody awaiting a court hearing.
Investigation began after report of past sexual assault
According to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, the Hackensack Police Department contacted its Special Victims Unit earlier this month regarding an alleged sexual assault involving a juvenile that had occurred previously. During the joint investigation, detectives determined Garcia-Mota had been aware of the abuse but did not intervene or report it.
Prosecutor Mark Musella said the arrest followed a coordinated effort between the county’s Special Victims Unit, led by Chief Matthew Finck, and the Hackensack Police Department, under Chief Michael Antista. The agencies have not released further details about the alleged assaults or the individuals involved to protect the victim’s privacy.
Prosecutor reminds public of presumption of innocence
Musella emphasized that the charge is an accusation and that Garcia-Mota is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. He also credited Hackensack police for their cooperation and assistance during the investigation.
Garcia-Mota is expected to appear soon before a Bergen County Superior Court judge in Hackensack for an initial hearing.