Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Lakewood Police Chief Robert C. Lawson today announced the arrest of Ruperto Marroquin, 20, of Lakewood, on charges of Lewdness and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

The arrest was the result of an investigation initiated on July 22, 2014, by Lakewood Police Detective Joseph Gregg and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit Detective Melissa Matthews. The investigation continued today with the interview by Det. Matthews of an 11 year old female victim who disclosed that the defendant committed a lewd act toward her a month ago.

Based on the subsequent investigation, Det. Gregg and Matthews charged Marroquin with Lewdness and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Bail was set by the Honorable Rochelle Gizinski, J.S.C. at $52,500 with no 10% option. Nicole’s Law and a no victim contact order were implemented. The Division of Child Protection and Permanency continue to work with the victim and her family.

This investigation was supervised by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Terry Linardakis, who approved the charges. Detective Scott Frey of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Criminalistics Investigations Unit assisted in the investigation with evidence collection. [TLS]