Auburn Man Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting New Jersey Teen

Tuesday, July 1, 2025, 10:15  A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

NEPTUNE, NJ.- Last Thursday, June 26, 2025, a 35-year-old Auburn, New York, man was convicted on all counts of an indictment at trial for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl he met on a social media platform at a Neptune Township, New Jersey, motel in April 2023.

     According to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, following a trial in  Monmouth County Superior Court, before Superior Court Judge Natalie S. Watson, a jury found David Leigh, 35, of Auburn, New York, guilty of second-degree Sexual Assault; third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Trial; and fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact.

Investigation Uncovers Leigh Sexually Assaulted The Child

     An investigation by Detectives of the Neptune Township Police Department revealed that Leigh and the 14-year-old girl had met on a social media platform. Shortly thereafter, in April 2023, the two met in person at a motel in Neptune, New Jersey, where Leigh sexually assaulted the girl inside a motel room. During the investigation, it was further revealed that the child told Leigh she was only 14 years old before the assault occurred.

     Following the investigation, Leigh was taken into custody in January 2024, and a Monmouth County Grand Jury returned a three-count indictment against him two months later.

     Following a week-long trial, the jury deliberated for just two hours before finding Leigh guilty. The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office presented physical and electronic evidence, along with the child’s testimony that proved Leigh guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Judge Watson Schedules Sentencing For September 12, 2025

     After the jury returned their findings of guilt, Judge Watson accepted the guilty verdict and scheduled sentencing for Friday, September 12, 2025. At that time, Leigh faces up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison. Upon completion of his term of imprisonment, Leigh will be subject to parole supervision for life and will be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law registration requirements.