INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (Warren County) – A Warren County man is accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old in Independence Township, according to the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office.
On May 21, police received notification regarding a sexual assault of a 15-year-old victim. During the investigation, the suspect was identified as Matthew Canavan, 33, of Hackettstown and he knew to the victim, officials said.
Canavan was arrested and charged on May 23 with two counts of second-degree sexual assault, two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, authorities said.
Canavan is currently being held in the Warren County Correctional Center pending a detention hearing, the prosecutor’s office said.
The second degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in New Jersey State Prison, third degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of 5 years in New Jersey State Prison, and fourth degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of 18 months in New Jersey State Prison.
