CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – On Friday, April 12, a jury found Jonathan Perez, a correction officer from the Cape May County Correctional Center, guilty on four charges, including sexual assault of a minor.
Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Sheriff Robert Nolan announced the verdict in a press release Friday afternoon.
A jury trial began March 18 for Perez, 34, who was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a minor, crimes of the first degree; one count of
sexual assault, a crime of the second degree; and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.
The jury returned a guilty verdict on all four counts against Perez, Sutherland and Nolan said.
The trial was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the New Jersey State Police Woodbine barracks. The investigation was initiated in February 2023 after a juvenile victim reported the abuse.
Sutherland extended gratitude to the dedicated detectives, forensic nurses,
medical professionals, victim advocates and Senior Assistant Prosecutor Bryna Batten in
obtaining a guilty verdict.
“Thanks to the diligent efforts and unwavering commitment of our law enforcement professionals, justice has been served swiftly and decisively. Their dedication to
upholding the law and seeking justice for victims is commendable,” he said in the release. “The successful outcome of this case is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our law
enforcement agencies and our independent judicial system. We are grateful for their tireless work in protecting our community and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.”
The prosecutor said there is no tolerance “for such behavior within our ranks or our community. We recognize the gravity of these charges and the impact they have on the trust between law enforcement and the community we serve. Our thoughts are with the victim and her family during this difficult time. We commend their bravery in coming forward and speaking out against this egregious behavior.
“This conviction underscores our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice and holding individuals accountable for their actions, especially when they harm innocent children,” he added. “We must all remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding our children from exploitation and abuse. It is crucial for anyone who has experienced or witnessed any form of abuse to come forward and seek assistance. Reporting such incidents promptly is essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. We encourage parents, caregivers, and community members to remain
vigilant and educate themselves about child safety and prevention strategies.”
An individual convicted of an aggravated sexual assault with a victim under 13 years of age is subject to a term of imprisonment of 25 years to life per the Jessica Lunsford Act. An individual convicted of a first-degree crime is subject to a term of imprisonment between 10 and 20 years in New Jersey State Prison and second degree crimes can carry a sentence between 5 and 10 years in State Prison. Perez is currently incarcerated at the Atlantic County Correctional Center pending sentencing currently scheduled for June 12.
