A 52-year-old Ventnor man was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a seven-year-old girl, Atlantic County Prosecutor Ted Housel announced.
Pascual Lopez, of N. Marion Avenue, was charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree sexual assault for manually touching the victim.
It is alleged that Lopez sexually assaulted the child on Sept. 1, 2002 while in a residence in Egg Harbor City. The victim did not immediately disclose the crime until November of 2010, at which time she told an individual about the sexual assault. The individual then notified the Prosecutor’s Office.
Members of the Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit conducted the investigation which led to Lopez’ arrest. Lopez was transported to the Atlantic County Justice Facility. Superior Court Judge Charles Middlesworth set bail at $225,000 no 10 %. Lopez’ first appearance is scheduled for 9 a.m. tomorrow morning. Assistant Prosecutor Kelli Fallon will represent the state.
A crime of the first-degree carries a maximum prison term of 20 years and $200,000 in fines. A second-degree crime carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $150,000.
