Man Sexually Assaulted Sleeping Man In Atlantic Co.: Police

BRIGANTINE, NJ — An Atlantic City man is accused of sex crimes against at least two sleeping victims in Atlantic County; police believe more victims may exist in other towns, according to a news release.

The investigation began on Sept. 2, 2024 when an adult man told Brigantine police that while staying at a local residence with friends, he awoke to a stranger performing a sexual act on him. The act was done without his knowledge or consent, and the perpetrator was not associated with that group, police said.

The perpetrator left after the victim confronted him, police said. He was identified as Dwayne Martin, Jr., 35, according to police.

Martin had encountered the group prior to the assault at a bar in another town, police said. Video surveillance and witness interviews determined Martin likely had gotten the group's address when they ordered a rideshare back to Brigantine, according to police.

A search of Martin's devices discovered a video of him sexually touching another unconscious adult man in a vehicle, police said. Detectives identified the victim and learned he was unaware that the sex act took place while he was sleeping and had not given consent, police said. The act and associated video took place in Atlantic City on Aug. 20, 2024, police said.

Detectives also identified other potentially similar and unreported incidents in other towns; they referred those to the appropriate authorities, police said.

On April 9, 2025, a report provided DNA evidence that corroborated the Brigantine victim's report, police said. A warrant was issued for Martin's arrest, charging him with the following:

• First-degree aggravated sexual assault
• First-degree aggravated sexual assault during a burglary
• Second-degree sexual assault
• Third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact
• Third-degree burglary of an occupied dwelling
• Fourth-degree tampering with evidence

Martin was also charged on a warrant out of Atlantic City with one count of third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact. Those warrants were referred to a fugitive task force who began the search for Martin's location.

On Oct. 7, 2025, Martin was stopped by Egg Harbor City police for an unrelated matter and transferred to Brigantine police custody, then turned over to Atlantic City police and ultimately was lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility, where he remains pending a detention hearing.

Since there were multiple victims, police are asking the public to reach out with any information regarding these or other unreported incidents. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Brigantine Police Department at (609) 266-7414 or the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit at (609) 909-7800.