Recently-Released Atlantic Co. Sex Offender Nabbed Again: Police

MAYS LANDING, NJ – An Atlantic County man who was released from prison in 2021 on a sex offense is accused of offending again this month.

Marcelino Cruz, 33, of Mullica Township, was charged on Monday for the sexual assault of an Atlantic County juvenile earlier in August, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office said.

Cruz was charged with two counts of second-degree sexual assault and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child by sexual contact, the prosecutor’s office said.

Cruz is currently lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.

Chief Assistant Prosecutor John Flammer, who represents the State in this matter, has moved to detain Cruz pending the resolution of the charges.

An initial investigation found that Cruz, who was released from state prison in November 2021 as a registered sex offender subject to parole supervsion for life, engaged in sexual penetration with a juvenile during the first week of August.

The investigation began when the victim’s mother discovered “disturbing” communications between the two on the juvenile’s phone, the prosecutor’s office said.

Cruz is set to appear at a hearing on Friday.