Man Sentenced For Sexual Assault Of Children In Cranford

UNION COUNTY, NJ — A 36-year-old Middlesex man was sentenced after he sexually assaulted two minors 14 years prior in Cranford's Nomehagen Park, the Union County Prosecutor's Office said.

Samuel Perl was sentenced on Dec. 19, 2025 to eight years in State Prison, of which he must serve 85 percent of before being eligible for parole. He is also subject to Megan's Law, Nicole's Law (which allows for victims in certain cases to obtain restraining orders against their abusers), parole supervision for life after being released, and monetary court fines.

On Jan. 15, 2025, the Union County Police Department was notified of alleged sexual assaults involving the two minors that happened in 2011. Police found that Pearl portrayed himself as a minor in order to meet the juveniles online.

He was arrested on June 3, 2025 and taken to the Union County Jail where he stayed until he was transferred to State Prison.

On July 30, 2025, Pearl pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree aggravated assault by penetration (victim under 13) and one count of second-degree sexual assault by sexual contact (victim under 13).

"This sentencing will not erase the trauma inflicted on the victims," Union County Prosecutor William Daniel said, "but it sends a clear message that the Union County Prosecutor's Office, along with all law enforcement agencies in Union County, are committed to pursuing the prosecution of individuals who prey on vulnerable children."

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