PATERSON, N.J. (Passaic County) — A Warren County woman has been arrested in connection with the sexual assault of a child that allegedly occurred in 2007, according to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes.
Esther Silva, 65, of Knowlton Township, is charged with multiple counts, including first-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated sexual assault and first-degree endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly permitting a child to engage in a recorded sexual act.
Silva also faces two counts of second-degree conspiracy to commit sexual assault, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child for recording a child in a sexual act, and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child involving sexual conduct.
Authorities said that on July 11, 2025, members of the Paterson Police Department received newly discovered evidence related to the 2007 assault of a girl between 15 and 16 years old at the time. The investigation, conducted by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, revealed that Silva allegedly video recorded and facilitated acts of sexual abuse against the victim on multiple occasions.
Prosecutors allege Silva conspired in the assaults with a man who is now deceased. Silva was taken into custody on Oct. 15, 2025, at approximately 10:30 a.m. near Route 94 and Oraton Lane in Knowlton Township.
If convicted, Silva faces significant prison time. The first-degree charges each carry potential sentences of 10 to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison, with 85% of the term required to be served before parole eligibility under the state’s No Early Release Act. Second-degree offenses carry penalties of five to 10 years, and third-degree offenses carry three to five years.
Silva is currently being held at the Hudson County Jail. The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion for pretrial detention, with a hearing scheduled before Superior Court Judge William E. Marsala on Oct. 21, 2025.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office is asking anyone with additional information about this case or other potential incidents involving Silva to contact its tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO.
