MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Town of Boonton Police Chief David J. Mayhood announce that John Santiago, 18, of the Town of Boonton, has been charged with Attempted Aggravated Sexual Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1/14-2(c)3, a crime of the second degree; Burglary, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2(a)1, a crime of the second degree, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(a), a crime of the third degree, Criminal Sexual Contact, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(b), a crime of the fourth degree, and Theft, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3(a), a disorderly persons offense.
It is alleged that Santiago forcibly entered the residence of a 71-year-old female in the early morning hours of August 1. While there, he allegedly took money from the victim’s purse, and entered her room while she was sleeping. Santiago is alleged to have woken the victim up, and engaged in an act of sexual contact against her. He then allegedly attempted to have her engage in an act of sexual penetration with him. The victim resisted and a physical altercation allegedly ensued. Santiago is alleged to have then left the scene.
After his arrest, Santiago was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Town of Boonton Police Department, particularly Det. Karl Mangino, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, particularly Det. Craig May and Det. Supervisor Jazmin Munoz-Felder, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigations Section whose efforts contributed to the investigation of the matter.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Detective Craig May of the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
