WILDWOOD – Wildwood Police Department Uniform Patrol Division handled a report of a sexual assault of a 13-year-old victim March 14. During the follow-up investigation by members of the Wildwood Police Department Detective Division, an individual identified as Juan Nieves-Barrios was identified as a person of interest.
During the developing investigation, a search warrant was authorized to search Nieves- Barrios’ residence located in the City of Wildwood. As a result of the execution of the search warrant and the subsequent processing of the crime scene, items identified as having evidential value in connection to the sexual assault investigation were collected.
As a result of the investigation, Nieves-Barrios, 26, of Wildwood was charged with the following criminal charges; aggravated sexual assault, a crime of the second degree, and endangering the welfare of a child, a crime of the third degree. Judge John Porto of the New Jersey Superior Court set bail at $175,000 cash no bond. Nieves-Barrios was unable to post bail and was incarcerated at the Cape May County Correctional Center, where he is currently being held.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This report is based on information received from law enforcement.
