Martial Arts Teacher Accused Of Sex Assault Of 2 NJ Minors: Cops

BRANCHBURG, NJ — A martial arts instructor is accused of sexually assaulting two minor students while working in Somerset County, authorities said.

Vincent Damiano, 44, of Jockey Hollow Road in Hampton, was charged with two counts of second-degree sexual assault and two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, according to Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson.

On Nov. 22, 2021, an adult woman reported being sexually assaulted by her martial arts instructor, Damiano, at the age of 17, said Robertson.

The woman said the sexual assaults happened in Branchburg Township (Somerset County), Asbury (Warren County), and the Borough of Lebanon (Hunterdon County) from May 2019 to July 2019, according to authorities.

On Nov. 24, 2021, a second adult woman also reported being sexually assaulted by her martial arts instructor, Damiano from the ages of 16 through 18, said Robertson.

The woman said the sexual assaults happened in the Branchburg Township (Somerset County), and Asbury (Warren County) from July 2017 to July 2019, according to authorities.

As a result of this investigation, Damiano was arrested on Jan. 6, 2022, at the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office by detectives from the Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit without incident.

Damiano was held in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing. Damiano was later released after his detention hearing.

Anyone with information relating to the sexual assault investigation involving Damiano is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes Unit 908-231-7100 or the Branchburg Township Police Department at 908-526-3830 or via the STOPit app.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

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