By: Richard L. Smith
A restaurant owner in Newark has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged sexual assault that took place last year. 
According to a statement released by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Carlos Erazo-Caballero, 36, of Elizabeth was taken into custody following an investigation into the incident.
Erazo-Caballero, who owns and manages Stephanie’s Barbeque IV in Newark, is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting an adult woman at the restaurant in October 2024.
Authorities have not disclosed specific details of the case in order to protect the victim’s identity.
He has been charged with one count of first-degree sexual assault.
Prosecutors emphasized that the charges are based on allegations, and Erazo-Caballero is presumed innocent unless he pleads guilty or is found guilty in a court of law.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges. 
Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to come forward.