Dover Man Charged With Aggravated Sexual Assault of Juvenile
Published on February 01, 2014
Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Erick Celis, 23 years old, of Dover, New Jersey, has been charged with two counts of First Degree Aggravated Sexual Assault; Second Degree Sexual Assault; and Third Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
The victim, who was under the age of 16, reported that the defendant allegedly had been sexually assaulting her for approximately two years. The defendant was interviewed by Sergeant Susan Johnson and Detective James Bruno of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit. Defendant initially denied any contact but ultimately confessed to numerous acts of sexual assault.
Celis was arrested on February 10, 2014, following an investigation conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office.
The Honorable Stuart A. Minkowitz, P.J.S.C. set bail at $500,000 full. The defendant was unable to post bail and was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility. Defendant is here illegally from Mexico.
Anyone with information relating to these charges is urged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at 973-285-6200.
Acting Prosecutor Fredric Knapp would like to thank the members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit whose efforts contributed to this arrest.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Any inquiries can be directed to First Assistant Morris County Prosecutor/SDAG Thomas Zelante at 973-285-6252 or tzelante@co.morris.nj.us.