BEDMINSTER TOWNSHIP, NJ (Somerset County) – A Somerset County has been arrested in connection with the sexual assault of two girls in Bedminster Township, according to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald.
On Sunday, March 5, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit was notified by the Bedminster Township Police Department of a report that an 8-year-old girl was sexually assaulted on March 4 while attending a social event at a residence in Bedminster Township, McDonald said.
The 8-year-old girl disclosed to authorities of being sexually assaulted by Marcelo D. Schonhauser, 45, of Bedminster township on March 4, McDonald said.
Then on Monday, March 6, detectives learned of a second minor victim who also reported being sexually assaulted by Schonhauser. The 7-year-old girl also disclosed to authorities of being sexually assaulted by Schonhauser on March 4, while attending the same social event, McDonald said.
Schonhauser was arrested on March 6 at his residence without incident and charged with two counts of second-degree sexual assault by sexual contact, and two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a minor. He was then lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing, McDonald said.
Anyone with information relating to the sexual assaults to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Sex Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100, or the Bedminster Township Police Department at 908-234-0585 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.
