ROCHELLE PARK, N.J. – A Westfield man has been arrested and charged following an investigation into an alleged sexual assault in Rochelle Park, authorities announced Tuesday.
According to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella, 41-year-old Michael W. Smith was taken into custody on January 29 after an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Rochelle Park Police Department revealed evidence that he sexually assaulted an adult victim earlier in the month.
The incident reportedly occurred on January 18, prompting Rochelle Park police to notify the county’s Special Victims Unit. Following a joint investigation, Smith was charged with two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault and one count of third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact.
Smith was arrested at his home in Westfield and remanded to the Bergen County Jail, where he awaits a detention hearing in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack.
Prosecutor Musella emphasized that the charges are accusations only and that Smith is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. He also credited the Rochelle Park and Westfield Police Departments for their assistance in the case.
- Michael W. Smith, 41, of Westfield, charged in Rochelle Park assault
- Arrest followed joint investigation by county and local police
- Defendant held at Bergen County Jail pending court hearing
