Hunterdon County man charged with kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault involving juvenile

TEWKSBURY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — A 21-year-old Tewksbury Township man has been charged with kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault following an alleged attack involving a juvenile victim in a wooded area of Hunterdon County, prosecutor’s office said.

Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson announced that Mateo Liriano was arrested and charged after authorities investigated a reported sexual assault May 22 in Tewksbury Township.

According to Robeson, Hunterdon County Communications received a 911 call from a township residence reporting that an unidentified female was attempting to enter the home and appeared emotionally distressed. The caller told dispatchers the female claimed she had been sexually assaulted nearby in a wooded area.

Officers from the Tewksbury Township, Clinton Township and Readington Township police departments responded to the scene. Authorities said the juvenile victim disclosed she had been sexually assaulted before being transported to Hunterdon Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.

Investigators later determined the victim had met Liriano through the Wizz social media application before communicating further through Snapchat, according to prosecutors.

Authorities allege Liriano invited the victim to a party and arranged for an Uber to transport her to Tewksbury Township. Upon arrival, prosecutors said Liriano informed the victim they could not enter the residence and the pair walked along the roadway after the Uber left.

During that time, prosecutors allege Liriano provided the victim with alcohol, causing her to become intoxicated, before directing her into a wooded area under the pretense of showing her something.

According to investigators, once in the woods, Liriano issued commands of a sexual nature and prevented the victim from putting her clothing back on when she attempted to stop. Prosecutors further allege he forced the victim to consume additional alcohol and sexually assaulted her while restraining her by placing pressure around her neck.

Liriano was charged with first-degree kidnapping, first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree aggravated assault, second-degree sexual assault, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact and fourth-degree endangering.

The Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion seeking to detain Liriano pending trial. A detention hearing is scheduled for June 1, 2026, and a pre-indictment conference is set for July 6 before Superior Court Judge Christopher J. Garrenger.

First-degree charges may result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment between 10 and 20 years and fines up to $200,000. Second-degree charges may carry prison terms between five and 10 years and fines up to $150,000. Third-degree charges may result in prison sentences between three and five years and fines up to $15,000, while fourth-degree charges may carry penalties of up to 18 months imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.

Officials said the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Julia Ahearn at 908-284-6182 or the Hunterdon County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-321-0010.