TEANECK, N.J. — A 64-year-old Teaneck man now faces multiple felony-level charges after investigators said a juvenile was physically assaulted Tuesday, prompting a joint child abuse investigation in Bergen County.
Miguel Mejia was charged May 19 with aggravated assault, child endangerment, child abuse, and refusing to provide a legally required DNA sample after detectives took him into custody, according to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella. Authorities said the alleged assault happened in Teaneck and involved a juvenile victim.
The Teaneck Police Department first contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit on Tuesday regarding the reported assault. Investigators later determined that Mejia allegedly assaulted and endangered the child during the incident.
Joint Investigation Led to Multiple Charges
The investigation involved detectives from both the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Teaneck Police Department.
According to prosecutors, Mejia also refused to submit a DNA sample after his arrest, despite legal requirements mandating the collection. That refusal resulted in an additional fourth-degree criminal charge.
Mejia now faces the following charges:
- Second-degree aggravated assault
- Second-degree endangering the welfare of a child
- Fourth-degree refusal to submit to DNA collection
- Fourth-degree child abuse
Authorities have not publicly released details about the juvenile’s age, injuries, or the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.
After the charges were filed Tuesday, Mejia was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending his first appearance in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack.
Key Points
• Teaneck resident Miguel Mejia, 64, faces aggravated assault and child abuse charges
• Bergen County investigators said a juvenile was assaulted and endangered Tuesday
• Prosecutors added a charge after Mejia allegedly refused a required DNA sample
Prosecutor Credits Teaneck Detectives
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella credited the Teaneck Police Department for assisting with the investigation alongside the prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit, led by Chief Jeff Angermeyer.
The Teaneck Police Department operates under Chief Andrew McGurr.
Officials did not indicate whether additional charges could follow or whether child welfare agencies became involved in the case. Authorities also have not disclosed any relationship between Mejia and the juvenile.
The case remains in its early stages as prosecutors prepare for Mejia’s initial court appearance in Hackensack.
Charges Remain Allegations
Under New Jersey law, second-degree aggravated assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child carry significant criminal penalties if a defendant is convicted.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office emphasized that the charges against Mejia are accusations at this stage of the legal process.
“Prosecutor Musella states that the charges are merely accusations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” the release stated.
The investigation remains active.
