LODI, NJ – A 27-year-old Prospect Park man is facing multiple first-degree charges after authorities say he broke into an acquaintance’s home in Lodi and sexually assaulted the victim at knifepoint.
According to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella, Valentino Tusha was arrested Sunday, February 8, following a swift joint investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the Lodi Police Department. Investigators allege Tusha unlawfully entered the victim’s residence before committing the assault.
Detectives determined the incident constituted both aggravated sexual assault and home invasion burglary. Tusha was also found to be in possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, officials said.
Arrest made with SWAT assistance
Later that same day, the Bergen County Regional SWAT Team, working alongside Prospect Park Police, located and arrested Tusha in Prospect Park without incident. He was taken to the Bergen County Jail pending a first appearance before a judge in Hackensack.
Authorities confirmed Tusha has been charged with:
- Two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault
- First-degree home invasion burglary
- Third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
Prosecutor urges caution, thanks responding agencies
Prosecutor Musella emphasized that the charges are accusations only and that Tusha is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. He credited the Lodi Police Department, Bergen County Regional SWAT Team, and Prospect Park Police Department for their coordinated work in quickly securing the suspect’s arrest.
- Prospect Park man accused of knife-point sexual assault in Lodi home
- SWAT team assists in Sunday arrest without incident
- Defendant held at Bergen County Jail pending court appearance
The investigation remains ongoing under the direction of Chief Jeff Angermeyer of the Prosecutor’s Office and Chief Donald Scorzetti of the Lodi Police Department.
