Middle Township Man Charged With The Sexual Assault Of Preteen

Sunday, June 22, 2025, 7:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

ERMA, NJ.- On Tuesday, following a swift-moving investigation, a 52-year-old Erma, New Jersey, man was taken into custody and jailed after being charged in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a child.

     According to Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland, on Monday, June 16, 2025, members of the Middle Township Police Department contacted the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit after receiving a report regarding an alleged sexual assault of a child, and a joint investigation was launched.

Detectives Determine Hazel Sexually Assaulted The Child

     During the investigation, and following interviewing witnesses, including the child victim, Detectives of the Cape County Special Victims Unit and the Middle Township Police Department determined that Eric Hazel, 52, of the 900 Block of Lenape Drive in the Erma section of Middle Township, New Jersey, sexually assaulted a child.

     Accordingly, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Hazel was taken into custody and formally charged with one count of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault; one count of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Hazel was processed on the charges and was remanded to the Cape May County Correctional Center, pending future court proceedings in Cape May County Superior Court.

     If convicted at trial, and due to the age of the victim and the nature of the crimes, Hazel faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years and up to life in New Jersey State Prison, pursuant to the Jessica Lunsford Act. Hazel would also be subject to parole supervision for life and would be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law restraints.

     Prosecutor Sutherland urges anyone with additional information regarding this investigation to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at (609) 465-1135 or leave an anonymous tip through the Prosecutor’s Office website at cmcpo.tips or use the Cape May County Sheriff’s Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net by clicking on “anonymous tip.”

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”