A man was arrested over the weekend after being accused of a sex crime
with a child. The New Jersey church mentor is now facing two counts of
criminal sexual contact and one count each of sexual assault and endangering
the welfare of a child. According to reports the man was not a mentor
to the child when the alleged assaults occurred.

It is important in cases of alleged sexual assault to be sensitive to the
potential victim, but also understand that the accused person has rights,
as well. Many times, these accusations are so severe that the public automatically
assumes the person is guilty when they hear about it in the news. The
criminal justice system works in a way that those charged with a crime
are presumed innocent.

If someone is accused of a crime it might be wise to speak with a criminal
defense attorney. When the charges are severe, as they are with sexual
assault or endangering the welfare of a child in New Jersey, it is important
to understand your rights and form a rigorous criminal defense. A criminal
defense attorney can help people accused of a crime understand the evidence
against them and make sure it was gathered legally.

Not only can sex crimes lead to public embarrassment but they can also
make it difficult to find a job or housing if convicted. Many states also
require people to register as a sex offender if they are convicted of
certain crimes. This can make it difficult to be reintegrated into a community,
leading to many unforeseen consequences.

Source: Patch, “Church Mentor from Bellmawr Accused in Sex Assault of Boy,”
Sean McCullen, June 11, 2012