Washington Township Man Charged With Sexually Assaulting A Child
Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 6:50 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
WASHINGTON, NJ.- On Monday, January 6, 2025, a 32-year-old Washington, New Jersey, man was taken into custody and jailed following being charged for allegedly sexually assaulting a 9-year-old child.
According to Acting Warren County Prosecutor Jessica L. Cardone, on Monday, January 6, 2025, the Washington Township Police Department received a report regarding the allegation that a young child had been sexually assaulted.
During a subsequent investigation by Detectives of the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the Washington Township Police Department, Detectives quickly identified the suspect, Michael A. Estler, 32, of Washington, New Jersey. After conducting interviews with witnesses, including the child victim, who is known to Estler, Detectives determined that crimes had been committed and found probable cause to file charges.
Detectives Charge Estler
Accordingly, on Monday, January 6, 2025, Estler was taken into custody and formally charged with two counts of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault; two counts of second-degree Sexual Assault; second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child; and fourth-degree Lewdness.
Following being processed on the charges, Estler was remanded to the Warren County Correctional Center pending future court proceedings in Warren County Superior Court in Belvidere, New Jersey. The Warren County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion to detain Estler pending trial.
If convicted on the charges, Estler faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years and up to life in New Jersey State Prison.
“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.”
