By: Richard L. Smith
In a court ruling, Julio Mejia, a 43-year-old from Wharton, has been sentenced to a total of seven years in New Jersey State Prison for explicit contact with a minor.
The sentencing was handed down by the Honorable Joseph A. Portelli, J.S.C., following Mejia'ss conviction on charges including second-degree Explicit Contact, fourth-degree Criminal Explicit Contact, third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and second degree Luring or Enticing a Child.
According to Passaic County officials, the case came to light on November 19, 2019, when the Prospect Park Police Department was alerted to the assault by the minor victim, who identified Mejia, a ride-share driver with Lyft, as the assailant.
Investigations revealed that Mejia and the victim engaged in explicit contact on August 30, 2019, after a ride-share trip, with further contact and a second incident occurring in the weeks that followed.
At the time of his arrest, Mejia served as an active armed forces member.
On September 20, 2023, after a thorough jury trial, Mejia was found guilty of the charges against him. In addition to his prison term, Mejia's sentence includes Parole Supervision for Life and compliance with Megan's Law registration requirements, underscoring the gravity of his offenses.