State Trooper From Howell Accused Of Inappropriately Touching Young Girl Charged

HOWELL, NJ — A New Jersey State Police sergeant and a resident of Howell has been charged with unlawful contact with a minor and indecent assault of a minor while off duty in State College, Pa., a criminal complaint alleges.

David DeJesus, 45, a sergeant first class, has also been charged with giving alcohol to a minor, the complaint by State College, Pa., police says.

The charges stem from April 22 of this year when a wrestling tournament was being held at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center in State College, Pa., and was attended by "wrestling families," including DeJesus, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

In the affidavit, the victim, age 14, is interviewed May 18 and says she was touched on her breast by DeJesus after being invited to his room to have a beer.

The victim, who was staying with her father at another hotel, first encountered DeJesus when she was invited to go swimming at the Ramada Hotel by her friend. The affidavit says she observed DeJesus sitting next to the pool with alcohol near him.

"She then asked the defendant if she could have a drink of the alcohol. The defendant told her she could but was not allowed to tell anyone." The victim tasted the drink, did not like it and then "took a beer bottle from the the floor which the defendant allowed her to have," the affidavit said. DeJesus told the victim she could "drink the beer in his poolside room," the affidavit continues.

DeJesus is currently suspended without pay, confirmed Sgt. Philip Curry, New Jersey State Police Public Information Unit.

He was arraigned Thursday by District Judge Don Hahn, who released him on $27,500 unsecured bail, according to information from NJ.com.

His lawyer is Steven P. Trialonis, according to court records, but he did not immediately return a request for a comment.