Health Aide Took Photos As He Sexually Assaulted Girl: Official

FREEHOLD, NJ – A home health aide from Freehold Township has been arrested after authorities say he lured a 14-year-old girl, kidnapped her, then sexually assaulted her and took photos of the sex assault as he did it.

David Buabeng, 55, of Windsor Terrace in Freehold Township, was arrested Wednesday evening, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni said.

The girl was reported missing about 9 p.m. Monday, Gramiccioni said. Police searched for the girl, who turned up the next morning, Gramiccioni said.

Authorities allege Buabeng lured the 14-year-old into a motor vehicle at a Freehold Borough convenience store shortly after 5 p.m. Monday, Gramiccioni said. Buabeng then drove the victim to an apartment in Freehold Township, where he sexually assaulted her and photographed her during the incident, authorities allege. He then dropped the victim off near her home on Tuesday morning, authorities allege.

Freehold Borough police were again contacted, prompting the investigation, Gramiccioni said.

Buabeng was apprehended on Tuesday evening at an apartment in Freehold Township where he is employed as a home healthcare aide for an elderly resident.

He has been charged with first-degree kidnapping; second-degree child luring; two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, and first-degree endangering the welfare of a child for causing or permitting a child to engage in child pornography; second-degree endangering the welfare of a child for manufacturing child pornography, and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, Gramiccioni said. He is being held at the Monmouth County jail.

The kidnapping charge carries a minimum sentence of 25 years and the aggravated sexual assault charges have a maximum of 20-year sentences. He also would be under parole supervision for five years following his release from state prison. The second-degree charges carry 10-year maximums, and he would be required to register under Megan’s Law.

Anyone who recognizes Buabeng and has information about this case or any of his activities is urged to contact Detective Kayla Santiago of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 800-533-7443 or Detective Rich Schwerthoffer of the Freehold Borough Police Department at 732-462-1234.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line by calling 1-800-671-4400; can text "MONMOUTH” plus their tip to 274637; or, they can email a tip via the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com. Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of criminals and fugitives.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Lavender.

Photo provided by Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office