Lakewood Police Officer Nate Reyes and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit Det. Melissa Matthews yesterday arrested, Augustina Rodriguez-Morales, 36, of Lakewood on charges of aggravated assault and Title 9 Child Abuse, officials said today.
The arrest was the result of a call to Lakewood PD and subsequent investigation yesterday by the partnering agencies into reports that a 4 year old male had been physically assaulted. Upon responding to the victim’s residence Lakewood officers observed the victim's injuries to be extensive.
The investigation by Officer Reyes and Det. Matthews, with assistance from Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI Det. Sgt. Jamie Phillips, alleges that the victim was struck in the head and face numerous times by the defendant.
The investigating agencies findings resulted in Ocean County Senior Assistant Prosecutor Terry Linardakis approving charges of 3rd Degree Aggravated Assault and Title 9 Child Abuse. Bail was set by the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels at $50,000 with no 10% option. A no victim contact order was implemented.
The Division of Child Protection and Permanency was contacted and responded to the Lakewood Police Department as well.
The defendant was then remanded to the Ocean County Jail in lieu of bail.