Prosecutors Say New First & Second-Degree Charges Stem From A Continuing Multi-Year Investigation
Sunday, February 15, 2026, 7:45 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
FAIRVIEW, NJ.- A Fairview, New Jersey man already detained on serious child sexual assault charges is now facing additional first- and second-degree offenses after investigators identified a second child victim, authorities announced.
Mark Musella, Bergen County Prosecutor, said additional criminal charges have been filed against Carlos M. Leon, 44, of Fairview, New Jersey, following developments in an ongoing investigation led by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Jeff Angermeyer, in coordination with the Fairview Police Department under Chief Vincent Bellucci.
Prior Allegations And Initial Arrest;
As previously reported, on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the Fairview Police Department contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit regarding allegations that a juvenile had been sexually assaulted in the past. A joint investigation subsequently determined that Leon sexually assaulted and endangered a child on multiple occasions in Fairview between November 2024 and January 2026.
Based on those findings, Leon was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, and endangering the welfare of a child. Following his arrest, Leon made his initial appearance in the Bergen County Superior Court, where a judge ordered that he be detained pending further court proceedings.
Second Victim Identified, New Charges Filed;
Prosecutor Musella said the investigation did not end with Leon’s initial arrest. As detectives continued reviewing evidence and conducting interviews, they uncovered information indicating that Leon allegedly sexually assaulted an additional child victim in July 2017.
As a result of those findings, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, authorities filed additional criminal charges against Leon, including:
- First-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, and
- Second-degree Sexual Assault.
First-degree aggravated sexual assault is among the most serious crimes under New Jersey law and carries the potential for decades in New Jersey State Prison if a conviction is secured.
Investigation Ongoing;
Prosecutors emphasized that the investigation remains active and that additional victims or charges are possible. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward.
Individuals with relevant information are asked to contact the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at (201) 226-5532. Tips may be provided confidentially.
Leon remains in custody as the case proceeds through the court system. As with all criminal matters, the charges represent allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Editor’s Note:
This article was written by Art Fletcher, Executive Editor, and is based on official statements and charging documents released by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. All facts, dates, statutes, and procedural details have been verified against publicly available law enforcement information as of publication. Because the case involves alleged crimes against minors, Englebrook Independent News does not publish identifying information about victims. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be reported as new, confirmed information becomes available.
