Authorities Say Pohatcong Resident Faces Multiple First & Second Degree Charges Following An Investigation Into The Alleged Assault Of An Eight-Year-Old Child

Monday, March 16, 2026, 7:50 P.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

POHATCONG, NJ.- A Warren County man has been arrested and charged with multiple serious sex offenses following an investigation into the reported sexual assault of an eight-year-old child, according to law enforcement authorities.

     Peter Santiago, 49, of Pohatcong Township, New Jersey, was taken into custody on Tuesday, March 16, 2026, after investigators concluded a probe into allegations that a young child had been sexually assaulted. Authorities said the investigation determined that Santiago was known to the victim.

     Following his arrest, Santiago was processed and lodged at the Warren County Correctional Center, where he is being held pending his first court appearance in Warren County Superior Court.

     According to charging documents, Santiago was charged on a Complaint Warrant with multiple felony offenses under New Jersey criminal statutes, including:

     Two Counts of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault

     Three Counts of second-degree Sexual Assault

     Second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child

     Under New Jersey law, first-degree aggravated sexual assault involving a child carries some of the most severe penalties in the state’s criminal code. If convicted, Santiago could face a sentence ranging from 25 years to life in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the provisions of the Jessica Lunsford Act, which imposes enhanced penalties for certain sexual offenses against minors.

     Authorities stated that a conviction would also require compliance with Megan’s Law, mandating lifetime sex offender registration and community notification requirements. In addition, Santiago would be subject to Parole Supervision for Life, a strict post-release monitoring program administered by the New Jersey State Parole Board.

     Second-degree crimes in New Jersey carry a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in New Jersey State Prison for each count if a defendant is convicted.

     Officials have not released additional details regarding the circumstances of the alleged offenses in order to protect the identity and privacy of the minor involved. It is common practice for authorities and courts to withhold identifying information in cases involving child victims.

     Santiago remains in custody at the Warren County Correctional Center pending his initial court appearance, where a judge will review the charges and determine conditions of detention under New Jersey’s pretrial justice system.

Editor’s Note:

The charges against Peter Santiago are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Englebrook Independent News does not identify minor victims of alleged sexual offenses and reports such cases in accordance with responsible journalism standards intended to protect the privacy and dignity of children.