Englewood Man Accused of Attempted Sexual Assault of Dumont Woman
A man from Englewood, NJ man was arrested and charged with sexual assault after reportedly stalking and attacking a Dumont, NJ woman on her way to church for early morning service. The suspect, 23-year-old Margarito Hernandez-Valladeres (who also goes by Jose Ramirez, Jr.), resides in Englewood, New Jersey and is employed as a laborer. According to Bergen County prosecutors, Hernandez-Valladeres stalked the 83-year-old victim while she headed to the Korean Community Church on Tenafly Road in Englewood, New Jersey on July 28, 2017. When the victim got to the rear parking lot of the church, Hernandez-Valladeres reportedly attacked her and threw her onto the ground.
Englewood police said that the victim was able to stop her attacker by screaming and getting the attention of a passing motorist. The attacker stopped and then walked away when the vehicle pulled over. The elderly victim avoided serious injury, but she still required medical attention for minor injuries sustained in the attack.
Police Still Investigating Sex Offense in Englewood, New Jersey
Detectives with both the Englewood City Police Department and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office investigated the alleged sex offense, with investigators talking to Englewood, NJ residents and getting surveillance video footage that showed the sexual assault.
It took a long time before detectives caught a break in the investigation: an anonymous tipster notified law enforcement officials and identified Hernandez-Valladeres as the suspect. According to authorities, Hernandez-Valladeres confessed to the crime during an interview at the Englewood police station. He was then placed under arrest and moved to the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack, NJ.
Hernandez-Valladeres has been charged with many crimes in connection with the Englewood, NJ attack: second degree attempted sexual assault, third degree criminal restraint, and fourth degree criminal sexual contact. If Hernandez-Valladeres reaches a plea deal with prosecutors, or if the charges are dropped, he would likely avoid trial in Bergen County Superior Court. However, if the case goes to trial, Hernandez-Valladeres would face severe penalties that include years behind bars in state prison.
Talk to an Experienced Sex Crime Attorney in Bergen County, NJ
The Tormey Law Firm is a New Jersey criminal defense firm that helps clients fight sexual offense charges in Bergen County, NJ. If you or a loved one has been charged with a sex crime in NJ, our experienced criminal defense attorneys can defend you against the charges. Call us at 201-556-1570 or fill out the online form to schedule a free initial consultation.