The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office has filed additional and even more serious charges against Joseph Suarez, a 31-year-old resident of West New York. The charges stem from an ongoing investigation into sexual crimes involving a young 4-year-old girl. The investigation, conducted by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, revealed that Suarez was communicating with a 13-year-old boy outside of New Jersey and instructing him to produce and share images and videos of himself sexually assaulting the young girl. The investigation led to the seizure of over 1,000 files of child sex abuse material from Suarez’s residence.
This development is just the latest chapter in the ongoing investigation into Suarez’s criminal activities. On January 18th, he was initially arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child, facilitating child sex abuse material, distribution of child sex abuse material, and possession of child sex abuse material. The state filed a detention motion in the case.
Now, Suarez has been charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault and Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Sexual Assault. These charges carry severe consequences and the prosecution will work to ensure that justice is served in this case.
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office has praised the efforts of the various units and agencies that worked together to bring Suarez to justice, including the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Special Victims Unit, In Court Unit, Narcotics Task Force, Cyber Crimes Unit, Crime Scene Unit, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, and West New York Police Department.
The public is reminded that the above charges are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty. However, these allegations are extremely serious and have shocked the community. The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office is dedicated to bringing perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice and ensuring the safety of all children in the community.
If you or someone you know is a victim of a sex crime, please reach out to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at 201-915-1234. No child should ever have to suffer through abuse and the authorities are here to help.