Belleville Man Sexually Assaulted Child In Clifton: Prosecutors

BELLEVILLE, NJ — A Belleville man allegedly climbed through the window of a child’s bedroom in Clifton, then assaulted and strangled them earlier this week, authorities said.

Police arrested Andres Vasquez, 24, of Belleville, on Friday. The Clifton Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Sexual Investigations Unit.

Passaic County prosecutors released the following statement about the allegations against Vasquez:

“On May 31, the Clifton Police Department responded to a report of a home invasion and sexual assault of a minor. Thereafter, the Clifton Police Department collected evidence and interviewed the victim and witnesses. The investigation revealed that Mr. Vasquez climbed through the window of the victim’s bedroom, confined the victim in the room, then strangled and sexually assaulted the victim.”

The child was not killed in the assault, but the extent of their injuries isn't currently known, prosecutors told Patch on Friday.

Vasquez was charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, first-degree kidnapping, second-degree sexual assault, third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact, third-degree criminal restraint, fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, and second-degree burglary.

Vasquez is currently detained at the Passaic County Jail. The state has filed a motion for pretrial detention, which will be heard by a Superior Court judge, prosecutors said.

Authorities said anyone with information can contact the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO.

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