NJ couple accused of sexually abusing girl starting at age 13
A South Jersey man and woman have been arrested in connection with the repeated sexual assaults of a young girl, who told authorities the abuse began when she was 13 years old.
Michael Brown was charged with third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, second-degree sexual assault of a minor between the ages of 13 and 16 and fourth-degree criminal sexual contact of a minor, according to a statement released Thursday evening by Mantua police. Valerie Brown, meanwhile, faces third-degree charges of endangering the welfare of a child and tampering with evidence.
They were both arrested on Wednesday.
Mantua officers, working alongside the West Deptford and Woodbury police departments, began an investigation into the case Sunday, after the victim came forward with her allegations. She told investigators “she was sexually assaulted when she was approximately 13 years old,” according to the police statement. She also “reported the assaults that occurred between 2018 and 2020, when she was a minor”.
Authorities have not specified the relationship between the Browns, or what role Valerie, 44, played in the attacks. It is also unclear what relationship, if any, the victim – who has not been identified – had with the suspects.
An investigation into this matter is underway. Police have asked that any other potential victims and anyone who may have information about the case come forward.
