Jersey City man charged with sexually assaulting 15-year-old, HCPO says — Levar Collier held on Sherman Ave arrest

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — Hudson County Prosecutor Wayne Mello says members of the Hudson County Special Victims Unit on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, arrested a 24-year-old Jersey City man following a sexual assault investigation in Jersey City.

Levar Collier, of Jersey City, is charged with Sexual Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2c(4), a crime of the second degree, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(1), a crime of the third degree, according to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.

Collier was arrested at a residence on Sherman Avenue in Jersey City and transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending his first court appearance, HCPO said.

According to the prosecutor’s office, the 15-year-old female victim reported she encountered the defendant while walking home on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026. The defendant later sexually assaulted the victim at a Sherman Avenue residence, the release states.

Prosecutor Mello credited the Special Victims Unit with the investigation and arrest. Anyone wishing to report a sex crime should call the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit (SVU) at 201-915-1234.

The above charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Hudson TV is publishing from the HCPO press release provided for this package. This story does not invent prior convictions, a mugshot, a school name, an exact street number, or any detail beyond the prosecutor’s release.

Know something about this story? Tips are anonymous. Email tips@hudsontv.com or text 862-417-6695

What is confirmed — and what is not

Confirmed by HCPO / Prosecutor Mello release: arrest Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, by Hudson County Special Victims Unit after a sexual assault investigation in Jersey City; defendant Levar Collier, 24, of Jersey City; charged with Sexual Assault (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2c(4), second degree) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(1), third degree); arrested at a Sherman Avenue residence and transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending first court appearance; victim described only as a 15-year-old female who reported encountering the defendant while walking home Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, with the assault later at a Sherman Avenue residence; Prosecutor Mello credited SVU; tip line 201-915-1234; charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Not in the HCPO release (do not invent): victim’s name, school, or further identifying detail; exact street number; prior criminal history or mugshot; motive or case outcome beyond the stated charges and detention pending first appearance; any claim of conviction.

Hudson TV asks: When HCPO SVU posts a tip line after a juvenile sex-crime arrest, should more people call to report what they know — or does fear keep too many cases in silence?

Share your take in the comments — and tell us which option you’d pick and why.

React: reply REPORT or SILENCE (or OTHER + your idea).