Approximately one year ago, police offers apprehended 32-year old Edgar Mendoza, after it was reported that an unfamiliar man broke into a Trenton, NJ home. Mr. Mendoza was caught in the room of a six-year-old girl by the girl's father and thereafter fled the home. Upon investigation of Mendoza, it was confirmed by law enforcement authorities, as well as Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office spokeswoman Casey DeBlasio, that Mendoza is in the United States illegally. Accordingly, Mendoza faces both criminal charges as well as the prospect of deportation after being arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting the six-year-old girl.
Events Leading To Mendoza’s Arrest
According to an article published by The Trentonian, Trenton police officers arrested Mendoza in the early morning hours of September 19, 2017 after the victim’s father, an eyewitness to the alleged crimes, called the police to report the incident. Reportedly, at approximately 1:30 A.M. on September 19, 2017, the father of the six-year-old victim noticed that a light was turned off in the family residence and went to investigate the matter. Upon entering the room, the victim’s father saw Mendoza in his six-year-old daughter’s bed. Mendoza, upon being caught by the father, jumped out of an open window in the second-story bedroom before the victim’s father could stop him. Shortly after escaping from the open window, the victim’s father called the police, reported the incident, and provided police with a description of the perpetrator. Upon investigation, police officers apprehended Mendoza as a possible suspect for the crimes committed in the Trenton home within a few hours of the incident. Upon being arrested by Trenton police, the victim’s father positively identified Mendoza as the man who broke into his home and was found in bed with his six-year-old daughter.
Criminal Charges Mendoza Faces Because of the Alleged Incident
After the victim’s father positively identified Mendoza as the alleged perpetrator, Mendoza was detained at the Mercer County Correctional Center located in Trenton, New Jersey. Following Mendoza’s detention, detectives investigating the case confirmed that the six-year-old girl was indeed sexually assaulted and the girl was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for her injuries.Following his arrest, detectives also found Mendoza’s cellphone in an area near the victim’s family home. Based on the aforementioned facts, Mendoza was charged with three counts of aggravated sexual assault, one count of endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of burglary. While it is unclear whether the criminal case brought against Mendoza is still pending in Mercer County, it is worth noting that, upon his arrest, law enforcement authorities revealed that Mendoza is a citizen of Guatemala and entered the United States illegally at some point before the alleged crimes occurred. Consequently, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) has issued a detainer against Mendoza and he will be held at the Mercer County Correctional Center while his criminal case moves through the New Jersey court system. Upon resolution of the case, however, ICE will likely initiate proceedings to deport Mendoza to his country of origin.
Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Sexual Assault, Child Endangerment, or Burglary Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with sexual assault, child endangerment, or burglary in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at The Davis Law Firm, LLC have successfully represented clients charged with sexual assault, child endangerment, and burglary in Trenton, Hamilton, Lawrenceville, Princeton, and throughout New Jersey. Call 609-587-9100 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 2653 Nottingham Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619.The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
