Man Charged With Attacking, Sexually Assaulting Woman: Passaic Prosecutor

PATERSON, NJ — Officials have charged a man with aggravated assault and sexual assault, after identifying him in an attack on a woman last year.

The victim said that the perpetrator both physically and sexually assaulted her on June 16, 2023, in the area of 10th Avenue and East 26th Street. She reported it to officials the following day, according to a statement from Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes' office.

An investigation began, and officials said they identified 38-year-old Paterson resident Keshawn Harley as the suspect.

On Sunday morning, exactly a year later, members of the Prosecutor's Office arrested Harley in the area of Park Avenue and East 22nd Street in Paterson. He faces charges of second-degree sexual assault, third-degree aggravated assault, and simple assault (a disorderly persons charge), according to prosecutors.

Officials have filed a motion for Harley to remain in jail ahead of trial; a judge will hear the motion during a pretrial detention hearing, which is scheduled on June 25.

The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this incident, or other incidents that possibly involve Harley, to contact their tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO.