NJ- illegal charged ,sexually assaulting 9 girls age 4 to 7
Alleged illegal immigrant from Lakewood charged with sexually assaulting 9 girls
By Matt Pais • STAFF WRITER • June 17, 2009
Read Comments(26)
LAKEWOOD — A man authorities say is an illegal immigrant has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting at least nine girls who were between the ages of 4 and 7.
Cirilo M. Cholula, 18, of Woehr Avenue, is being held in lieu of $1 million bail following his arrest Tuesday night, Ocean County Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford said in a statement released this afternoon.
Authorities opened an investigation into the case Saturday, after family members of one girl contacted Lakewood police saying they suspected their young daughter had been sexually molested.
Cholula, who authorities said is also Cirilo Moranhel-Cholula, is charged with nine counts of aggravated sexual assault as well as child endangerment.
Details about the case and the subsequent investigation were not released, in order to protect the identities of the victims, said Deputy Chief Michael Mohel, spokesman for the prosecutor's office.
In the statement, Ford credited members of the Lakewood police department as well as her office's Special Victims Unit, who worked quickly to identify other victims and locate Cholula.
Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have been notified of Cholula's arrest in accordance with guidelines governing the arrest of illegal aliens. ICE officials are expected to place a no-bail immigration detainer on Cholula, Ford said.
The investigation is continuing and any parents who suspect their child may have had inappropriate with the accused is urged to reach out to authorities.
Investigator Melissa Matthews of the Special Victims Unit, who is fluent in Spanish, and John Murphy can be reached by calling 732-929-2027. Lakewood Detective Leroy Marshall is also investigating the case and can be reached at 732-363-0200.
www.app.com