TEWKSBURY, NJ — A man was arrested and charged with kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault of a young girl in a wooded area in Hunterdon County, said Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson on Wednesday.
Mateo Liriano, 21, of Tewksbury Township, was charged with first-degree kidnapping, first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree aggravated assault, second-degree sexual assault, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact, and fourth-degree endangering.
On Friday, a Tewksbury Township homeowner called 911, reporting that an unidentified girl was trying to get into the home.
The caller said that the girl appeared emotionally distressed and said she had been sexually assaulted in a wooded area nearby, said Robeson.
The juvenile victim was taken to Hunterdon Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.
An investigation revealed that the victim had met Liriano in Tewksbury Township after they made contact through the Wizz social media application and later talked through Snapchat.
Liriano allegedly invited the victim to a party and arranged for an Uber to take her to his location.
When she got to the party, Liriano told the victim that they could not go into the home, so they walked along the road until the Uber left, said Robeson.
Liriano reportedly gave the victim alcohol, resulting in her becoming intoxicated.
"He then directed the victim toward a wooded area under the pretense of showing her a location. Once inside the woods, he issued commands of a sexual nature," said Robeson.
When the victim tried to stop and put her clothing back on, Liriano stopped her and compelled her to drink more alcohol, according to police.
Liriano then sexually assaulted the victim "while restraining her by placing his arm around her neck and applying pressure," said Robeson.
The Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion to detain Liriano pending trial, which will be heard on June 1.
A pre-indictment conference is scheduled for July 6, before Judge Christopher J. Garrenger.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Julia Ahearn at 908‑284‑6182.
Information can also be provided through the Hunterdon County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-321-0010. All anonymous reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.
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