Essex County Man Sexually Assaulted Juvenile: Prosecutor

EAST ORANGE, NJ — Authorities charged an East Orange man with aggravated sexual assault of a minor after collecting DNA evidence from the assault, which took place on the July 4th holiday last year, prosecutors announced Monday.

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Abdul Crowley, 44, was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault of a minor.

Prosecutors said Crowley has been accused of sexually assaulting a juvenile on July 4, 2021 in East Orange.

The victim immediately reported the assault to a family member, authorities said.

“DNA evidence was collected, which ultimately led to the charges being issued against Crowley,” prosecutors said.

Crowley has been charged with three counts of aggravated sexual assault, one count of sexual assault, one count of aggravated criminal sexual contact and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.

Crowley was arrested without incident. He is currently detained at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark pending arraignment, prosecutors said.

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