Warren County Woman Charged In 2007 Paterson, NJ Child Sexual Assault Investigation

Monday, October 20, 2025, 7:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

PATERSON, NJ.- On Wednesday, a 65-year-old Knowlton Township, New Jersey, woman was taken into custody and jailed after being charged in connection with her alleged role in the multiple sexual assaults of a teen girl that occurred in 2007 in the City of Paterson, New Jersey.

     According to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Esther Silva, 65, of Knowlton Township, New Jersey, was formally charged with first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault; first-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Permitting a Minor to Engage in a Recorded Sexual Act; two counts of second-degree Conspiracy to Commit Sexual Assault; second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Recording a Child in a Sexual Act; and third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Sexual Conduct.

Silva Was Taken Into Custody Last Wednesday Morning

     Silva was taken into custody during the morning hours of Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Knowlton Township, New Jersey, by Detectives of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office. She was processed on the charges and was remanded to the Hudson County Correctional Facility in Kearny, New Jersey. The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion with the court to have Silva detained pending trial, which has been scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

     On Wednesday, July 11, 2025, the Paterson Police Department received newly discovered evidence in connection with the sexual assault of a child in 2007. Police Officers immediately referred the evidence to Detectives of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit. 

     During the months-long investigation, Detectives determined that Silva video recorded and, on multiple occasions, facilitated acts of sexual abuse against a girl who was between the ages of fifteen and sixteen years old at the time. It has been alleged that Silva conspired to commit the sexual acts with a man who has since died.

     If convicted at trial, Silva could face decades in New Jersey State Prison. She would also be subject to parole supervision for life and be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law registration requirements.

     The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-877-370-PCPO. All calls and information will be kept confidential.

“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.”