CAPE MAY COUNTY CORRECTIONS OFFICER FACES LIFE IN PRISON AFTER BEING CONVICTED TODAY
“Jonathan Perez Was Found Guilty On Charges In Connection With The Multiple Sexual Assaults Of A Girl Under The Age Of 13.”
Friday, April 12, 2024, 6:00 P.M. ET. By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ.- Today, following a Four-Week Trial, a Jury sitting in Cape May County, New Jersey Found a 34-Year-Old Former Cape May County Corrections Officer Guilty on Charges in connection with The Multiple Sexual Assaults of a Preteen Girl that occurred over Three Years.
According to Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffery H. Sutherland, on Friday, April 12, 2024, a Cape May County Jury returned Guilty Verdicts against Jonathan Perez, 34, on Charges of Two Counts of First Degree Aggravated Sexual Assault; One Count of Second Degree Sexual Assault; and One Count of Second Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
The Trial and Conviction were the result of a Joint Investigation by Members of The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and The New Jersey State Police Woodbine Barracks. The Investigation began in February 2023 after the Juvenile Victim came forward to report the Abuse.
Prosecutor Sutherland would like to extend gratitude to the dedicated detectives, forensic nurses, medical professionals, victim advocates, and Senior Assistant Prosecutor Bryna Batten in obtaining a guilty verdict. “Thanks to the diligent efforts and unwavering commitment of our law enforcement professional, justice has been served swiftly and decisively. Their dedication to upholding the law and seeking justice for victims is commendable.”
The Successful outcome of this case is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our law enforcement agencies and our independent judicial system. We are grateful for their tireless work in protecting our community and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
Further Prosecutor Sutherland advises that sexual assault is a serious crime, and there is no tolerance for such behavior within our ranks or community. We recognize the gravity of these charges and the impact they have on the trust between law enforcement and the community we serve. Our thoughts are with the victim and her family during this difficult time. We commend their bravery in coming forward and speaking out against this egregious behavior.
This conviction underscores our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice and holding individuals accountable for their actions, especially when they harm innocent children. We must all remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding our children from exploitation and abuse. It is crucial for anyone who has experienced or witnessed any form of abuse to come forward and seek assistance. Reporting such incidents promptly is essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.
Sentencing in the matter has been tentatively Scheduled for June 12, 2024, in Cape May County Superior Court at which time Perez will Face a Potential Term of Life in New Jersey State Prison, under The Jessica Lunsford Act.
