Close-up mugshot of a man with short dark hair and light stubble, facing the camera against a white wall background.

Ridgefield Park, NJ – A 32-year-old man faces felony charges after prosecutors say he attempted to sexually assault a juvenile female victim inside a Ridgefield Park residence last week. Luis M. Morales-Jutzuy was arrested Wednesday, April 22, in nearby South Hackensack following a joint investigation by county prosecutors and local police.

The charges mark a significant development in the case tied to an alleged incident on Tuesday, April 21. Morales-Jutzuy is charged with one count of second-degree attempted sexual assault and two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.

Investigation Leads to Arrest Within 24 Hours

Ridgefield Park police contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit on Wednesday after receiving a report of an alleged sexual assault. Investigators determined Morales-Jutzuy attempted to assault a female victim inside a residence the previous day.

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said the investigation, led by Chief Jeff Angermeyer, resulted in Morales-Jutzuy’s arrest later that same day in South Hackensack. The South Hackensack Police Department assisted in taking him into custody.

Charges Filed, Court Appearance Pending

Morales-Jutzuy has been formally charged under New Jersey law and was remanded to the Bergen County Jail. He is awaiting his first appearance in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack.

“Charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” Musella said in a statement.

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Key Points

• Luis M. Morales-Jutzuy, 32, charged with attempted sexual assault in Ridgefield Park
• Alleged incident occurred April 21 inside a residence, prosecutors say
• Arrest made April 22 in South Hackensack; suspect held in Bergen County Jail

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Federal Custody and Immigration Status

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has previously confirmed Morales-Jutzuy is in its custody following the arrest. However, federal authorities have not publicly detailed his immigration status in official releases tied to the criminal charges.

Because immigration status has not been specified in the Bergen County Prosecutor’s statement or accompanying court records, it remains separate from the criminal case now moving through state court.

Multi-Agency Response

The case involved coordination between the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the Ridgefield Park Police Department, under Chief Michael Cmielewski. Officials also credited the South Hackensack Police Department for assisting with the arrest.

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The investigation focused on events inside a private residence, and authorities have released limited details to protect the victim’s identity.

What Happens Next

Cases involving alleged violent crimes such as attempted sexual assault typically proceed through state court, regardless of any parallel federal custody situation. Prosecutors have not indicated whether additional charges could follow.

No further details about the victim, including age or condition, have been released.

Current Status

Luis M. Morales-Jutzuy remains held at the Bergen County Jail pending his initial court appearance. Authorities have not announced additional updates, and the investigation remains active.

Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office

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