MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that the Morris County Grand Jury has returned an Indictment against Maurice Pearson, age 27, with a last known address of 55A Route 46 East, Pine Brook, and formerly of Altoona, Pennsylvania, charging him with Murder, a crime of the first degree, related to the alleged beating death of his then-girlfriend’s three year old son in April 2015.
The Indictment also charges Pearson with various additional crimes related to his alleged conduct towards the three year old child, including Aggravated Assault, a crime of the second degree, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a crime of the second degree, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, a crime of the third degree, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a crime of the fourth degree.
Pearson was also indicted on the charge of Aggravated Assault, a crime of the third degree, related to the alleged assault of the mother of the same three year old child.
Finally, Pearson was indicted on the charge of Hindering His Own Apprehension, for allegedly proving false information to law enforcement during the course of this investigation.
Pearson is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility, with a bail set at $1,000,000 cash, bond or property.
This case is being handled by Chief Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Troiano.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank members of the Montville Police Department, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigation Section, the Fairfield Police Department, and the Altoona (PA) Police Department who have contributed to this ongoing investigation and prosecution.
If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200.
Editors note: Despite this Indictment, the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
