Prosecutors: Burlington Twp Man Impersonated Police Officer To Sexually Assault Women
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - It's a case of a correction officer in need of correction, according to prosecutors.
Juan R. Stevens, 50, of Burlington Township faces numerous charges after he allegedly coerced four women into having sex with him. The incidents took place between May 2011-July 2012, prosecutors said.
In each case, Stevens claimed to be a law enforcement officer and flashed what appeared to be a badge, prosecutors said.
Stevens allegedly found the women by scouring escort ads online. In one case, he arranged to pay $125 for a 30 minute sexual encounter at a hotel, prosecutors said. When he showed up, though, he flashed a badge, claimed he was a law enforcement officer, and said "stand down" into a cell phone, as though he were engaged in a sting, prosecutors said. He told the woman they could work out an arrangement, according to prosecutors, before having sex with her and leaving.
"It is abhorrent that a state correction officer would corruptly use his badge to sexually assault women in the manner alleged in this indictment," said Acting Attorney General Hoffman. "His alleged conduct is a complete betrayal of the trust placed in him as a public servant."
Web Extra: Read The Indictment (.pdf)
Three of his victims admitted to being engaged in prostitution, prosecutors said. Stevens allegedly coerced them into having sex for free or at a discount. The fourth victim was identified following Stevens' arrest, when his DNA was taken.
Anyone else who believes they may have been victimized by Stevens is asked to contact the Division of Criminal Justice confidentially at 1-866-TIPS-4CJ.
Stevens, who is a senior correction officer, has been suspended.
Stevens faces charges of official misconduct, sexual assault, criminal restraint, criminal coercion, theft by extortion and impersonating an officer.
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