Prosecutor: Howell Woman Hid Husband Accused Of Sex Assault

A Howell Township woman has been charged with hindering the apprehension of her husband, who was wanted on a charge of sexual assault, authorities said Friday.

Patricia Kuka, 44, of Howell, was arrested at her home on Wednesday in the case, said Al Della Fave, spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

Kuka is accused of offering to hide her husband, Louis Kuka, on numerous occasions despite knowing that a warrant was out for his arrest, he said.

Louis Kuka, 45, was being sought in connection with charges he had sexually assaulted a Jackson Township woman at her home after going to see her on the pretense of a personal matter, Della Fave said. Once inside the home, Louis Kuka bound the woman with duct tape and sexually assaulted her, he said.

Louis Kuka turned himself into authorities on May 7, Della Fave said.

The investigating detectives allege Patricia Kuka offered to hide her husband from law enforcement; offered to switch vehicles with him and provided him information about investigative tools that were being utilized to locate him, Della Fave said. During her hindering efforts, Patricia Kuka had full knowledge that an arrest warrant had been issued on May 5 for her husband’s arrest.

Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Thomas Tiernan and Jackson Township Police Detective John Rodriguez arrested Patricia Kuka at home. She was processed and released on a summons.

Louis Kuka remains in the Ocean County Jail, Toms River, in lieu of $300,000 cash bail, according to the Ocean County Corrections inmate records.