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Somerville man arrested in child endangerment and sexual assault investigation

MANVILLE, NJ – A 38-year-old Somerville man was arrested earlier this month following a months-long investigation into allegations involving inappropriate conduct with a minor, Somerset County officials announced.

According to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., and Manville Police Chief Craig Jeremiah, Isaias Vielma-Hernandez was taken into custody on Friday, January 9, 2026, in Bedminster Township without incident.

The investigation began in April 2025 when the Manville Police Department contacted the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit regarding a report made by a 12-year-old Manville resident. The child was interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center, where she reported that an adult male had shown her explicit images and videos on a mobile device. She also alleged inappropriate behavior that occurred on more than one occasion between January and April 2025.

Detectives from the Manville Police Department and the Special Victims Unit conducted a joint investigation. On April 17, 2025, a court-authorized search warrant was executed at Vielma-Hernandez’s residence, where his cell phone was recovered as evidence.

Photo: nj man arrested in connection with child protection case

Following continued investigation, Vielma-Hernandez was arrested and charged with the following:

Second-degree Sexual Assault by Sexual Contact
Third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child
Third-degree Obscenity

He was processed at the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and lodged in the Somerset County Jail. He has since been released pending a court appearance.

Prosecutor McDonald thanked the New Jersey State Police and all assisting agencies for their cooperation in the investigation.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at (908) 231-7100, the Manville Borough Police Department at (908) 725-1900, or to submit a confidential tip via the STOPit app using access code SOMERSETNJ. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Somerset County Communications Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477).

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Key Points

A 38-year-old Somerville man was arrested following an investigation into allegations involving a minor
Charges include sexual assault by contact, child endangerment, and obscenity
The investigation remains ongoing and authorities are seeking additional information

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

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