Morris Co. Man Raped 13-Year-Old In Car, Prosecutor Says

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A Morris County man has been charged in the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old child in his vehicle earlier this year, according to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes.

According to officials, Luis Campos, 25, of Lincoln Park, was arrested on June 28 on charges of kidnapping and two counts each of aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

The alleged assault happened on Jan. 7 in Paterson, according to authorities.

The incident was reported to Elmwood Park Police the same day, who referred the case to the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, Valdes said. During the investigation, detectives interviewed witnesses, including the victim and gathered physical evidence.

On Wednesday, Campos had a detention hearing in which a Superior Court judge granted a motion to detain him pending trial.

"At a detention hearing on July 5, 2023, the Honorable Justine A. Niccollai, J.S.C., granted the State’s motion for the pretrial detention of Mr. Campos," Valdes said.

Officials ask anyone with more information about the alleged crime to contact the prosecutor's tip line at 1-877-370-PCPO.

If convicted, Campos is subject to parole supervision for life and Megan’s Law registration requirements. Sentencing exposure is as follows, according to Valdes:

• First-degree kidnapping, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1(b)(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1(c)(2)(a): sentence is 25 years to life in New Jersey State Prison, subject to a 25-year year parole disqualifier.

• First-degree aggravated sexual assault, in violation of N.J.S.A.2C:14-2(a)(3): sentence is 10–20 years in New Jersey State Prison, with 85 percent of the term to be served before parole eligibility subject to the provisions of the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2.
• Second-degree sexual assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2(c)(1): sentence is 10–20 years in New Jersey State Prison, with 85 percent of the term to be served before parole eligibility subject to the provisions of the No Early Release Act.
• Third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4(a)(1): sentence is 5–10 years in New Jersey State Prison.