Defendant Sentenced To 10 Years For West New York Sexual Assault

On Friday, September 11, 2026, the Honorable Nesle Rodriguez sentenced a 30-year-old male to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison for a sexual assault that occurred in West New York in 2024.

Hudson County Prosecutor Wayne Mello reports that West New York resident Carlos Ruiz Castro had previously pled guilty to one count of first degree Aggravated Sexual Assault. The sentence is subject to the No Early Release Act, Megan’s Law Registration, Parole Supervision for Life, an Avenel Evaluation, and a Nicole’s Law Restraining Order.

Mello says that on Saturday, July 27, 2024, the West New Police Department was notified of a sexual assault that occurred in the area of Hudson Avenue and 51st Street. The 40-year old female victim reported that an unknown male forced her into an alleyway where he sexually assaulted her. Surveillance footage captured the defendant leaving the scene and entering a nearby apartment building. A court-authorized search of the defendant’s residence led to the recovery of clothing worn by the defendant at the time of the offense.

The State was represented in this matter by Assistant Prosecutor Andrew Baginski.