North Jersey Man Sexually Assaulted 80-Year-Old Woman, Police Say

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A Passaic County man was arrested this week after he sexually assaulted a "helpless" 80-year-old woman, police said.

John Schweininger, 54, of Hawthorne, faces several sex assault charges following an incident at his Hawthorne home on Saturday.

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On Saturday, around 11:15 p.m., Hawthorne police were told that Schweininger had sexually assaulted an 80-year-old woman who was "physically helpless due to her infirmities," prosecutors said.

Authorities added that the victim was a member of Schweininger's household, but did not specify their relationship.

After an investigation, authorities issued a warrant for Schweininger's arrest. He was apprehended on Wednesday in Haledon.

Schweininger is charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault, and third-degree
aggravated criminal sexual contact.

The state is filing a motion to keep Schweininger in custody as his court proceedings unfold.

If convicted, Schweininger faces up to 35 years in prison.