Essex County ‘Religious Leader’ Accused Of Sex Assault: ECPO

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A self-described “religious leader” in Essex County has been accused of sexually assaulting a young man, prosecutors announced Monday.

Wayne Ram, 44, was arrested on Aug. 27, and charged with two counts of sexual assault and three counts of criminal sexual contact. He currently lives in Newark, but is a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Prosecutors said the assault occurred in Orange on Aug. 7, when the young man met up with Ram at a family member’s home in search of spiritual guidance.

“The victim alleges that Ram suggested that his family member leave the home and then sexually assaulted him,” prosecutors said, adding that the young man immediately made a report to law enforcement.

Ram was released on pre-trial monitoring pending disposition of the case, and has been required to surrender his passport, authorities said. Prosecutors released a photo of Ram, which can be seen below.

Ram's next court date is set for Oct. 1, authorities said.

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