Lakewood Police Det. Nate Reyes and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Special Victim’s Unit Det. Melissa Matthews announced the arrest of Armando Lima Vergara, 31, of Lakewood yesterday for sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
The investigation initiated on August 12, 2015 alleges Vergara sexually assaulted a twelve-year-old girl, who is known to him, approximately six years ago when she was 6 years of age on multiple occasions.
Upon completion of the investigation, the partnering detectives made numerous attempts to locate Vergara. Ultimately, the suspect learning the detectives were searching for him voluntarily responded to the Lakewood Police Department on Wednesday (9/30) and was taken into custody.
Based on the completed investigation Senior Assistant Prosecutor Terry Linardakis advised the suspect be charged with sexual assault pursuant to NJSA 2C: 14-2b and endangering the welfare of a child pursuant to NJSA 2C: 24-4a.
Bail was set by the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels at $150,000 with no 10% option.
Nicole’s Law and a no victim contact order were implemented.
Accordingly, ICE was notified. The defendant was remanded to the Ocean County Jail in lieu of bail.