NJ Fugitive In 80s Sex Crimes Case Sentenced To 10 Years

NEW JERSEY — A man who was a fugitive from law for 30 years for multiple sex crimes in New Jersey was sentenced to 10 years in prison, according to the Morris County Prosecutor's Office.

Richard A. Ziegler entered a guilty plea to two counts of second-degree sexual assault.

Ziegler engaged in sexual acts with two minors in the Township of Roxbury, between December of 1981 and May 31, 1987, according to officials.

One victim was between the ages of 10 and 12 when the acts occurred, and the other victim was between the ages of 10 and 15.

Ziegler was arrested in Oneida, Tennessee, in 2020 after using false documents to get a driver's license in Tennessee under an assumed identity, the prosecutor said.

READ MORE: Arrest Made In 80s Sexual Assault Cases: Morris Co. Prosecutor

During the investigation into his identity, Tennessee officials became aware of the allegations against him for sexual assault in New Jersey and notified the Township of Roxbury Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office.

Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll commended members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office investigative, legal and support staff teams, Roxbury Police Department and Tennessee Highway Patrol for their efforts.

"Ziegler remained a fugitive from justice for over 30 years. Intensive follow-up by members of the MCPO and Tennessee Highway Patrol resulted in new information and a positive identification," Carroll said.