New jersey correctional officer sentenced for sexual assault — Jail Cell - File Photo

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ—Jonathan E. Perez, a former Cape May County Correctional Officer, has been sentenced to 30 years in New Jersey State Prison after being found guilty of multiple sexual offenses involving a minor.

The sentencing was handed down by Superior Court Judge Christine Smith on Thursday, August 8.

The charges against Perez included two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault with a minor, both first-degree crimes; one count of Sexual Assault, a second-degree crime; and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, also a second-degree crime. The jury trial, which began on March 18, concluded with a guilty verdict on all counts on April 12.

This case stemmed from a joint investigation by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the New Jersey State Police Woodbine barracks.

The investigation was initiated in February 2023 following a report of abuse from a juvenile victim.

As part of his sentence, Perez is subjected to the “No Early Release Act,” meaning he must serve at least 85% of his sentence before being eligible for parole.

Additionally, he has been stripped of his Police Training Commission Law Enforcement License, barred from holding any public office or public employment, and, upon release, will be under parole supervision for life and must register as a sex offender.

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