Jesus Ruiz Merino
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit has arrested a North Bergen man after investigating a report of a juvenile who was sexually assaulted by an unknown male in Secaucus.
Jesus Ruiz Merino, 43, is charged with Kidnapping in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1b(1), a crime of the first degree; two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2a(3), crimes of the first degree; Sexual Assault in violation of N.J.S.A 2C:24-4a, a crime of the second degree; and Endangering the Welfare of a Child in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a, a crime of the third degree. He was arrested at his residence on Thursday, October 16, 2025, and transported to the Hudson County Correctional Center pending his first court appearance.
On Monday, October 13, 2025, the Secaucus Police Department was notified of a sexual assault that occurred at a motel on Route 3. The 14-year-old female victim reported she was approached by an unknown male in the area of 60th Street and Bergenline Avenue in West New York. The defendant offered the juvenile a ride,and then drove to the motel where the victim was sexually assaulted.
Acting Prosecutor Mello credited the Special Victims Unit, the Secaucus Police Department, and the West New York Police Department with the investigation and arrest. The above charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C.3.6(b)(6).
