Teaneck police recently arrested a local man who allegedly sexually abused an underage girl over a period of several years.

According to authorities, the 39-year-old suspect “engaged in inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature.” The abuse allegedly occurred when the victim was between the ages of 11 and 16.

New Jersey state welfare officials were made aware of the allegations of sexual misconduct. Officials then contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.

The prosecutor’s office quickly launched an investigation into the allegations. The joint investigation included the Teaneck Police Department, the Lyndhurst Police Department, and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit.

The suspect was eventually arrested and charged with a number of sex crimes, including sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, and endangering the welfare of a child.

If the suspect is ultimately convicted of sexual assault, he would be subject to severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2, sexual assault is a second degree criminal offense. A conviction on second degree sexual assault charges could lead to a sentence of 5-10 years in NJ State Prison.

After being arrested and charged, the suspect was transported to the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack, New Jersey. He was being held at the correctional facility in lieu of $400,000 bail.

If the suspect is eventually able to post bail and secure his release from jail, he will have to surrender his passport to authorities and avoid any contact with the victim in the case.

For more information about this case, go to the NJ.com article entitled “Man Charged with Sex Abuse of Young Girl.”