By: Richard L. Smith
Somerset County officials reported the arrest of Mr. Marcelo D. Schonhauser, 45, of Bedminster, in relation to the sexual assault of two minors that occurred on Saturday, March 4, in the Township.
Prosecutor McDonald stated that on Sunday, March 5, 2023, 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 victim was sexually assaulted on March 4, 2023, while attending a social event at a residence in Bedminster.
According to Prosecutor McDonald, the 8-year-old female victim was interviewed at the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Child Advocacy Center by a detective from the Somerset County Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit.
The 8-year-old disclosed being sexually assaulted by Marcelo Schonhauser on March 4, 2023.
Prosecutor Donald said detectives investigated the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit and detectives from the Bedminster Police Department.
On Monday, March 6, 2023, detectives learned of a second minor victim who also reported being sexually assaulted bySchonhauser.
The second victim, a 7-year-old female, was interviewed at the Somerset County Prosecutor’s OfficeChild Advocacy Center by a detective from the Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit.
Prosecutor Donald said the 7-year-old victim also disclosed being sexually assaulted by Marcelo Schonhauser on March 4, 2023, while attending the same social event at a residence in Bedminster Township.
On Monday, March 6, 2023, defendant Schonhauser was arrested at his residence in Bedminster without incident and charged with two counts of 2nd-degree Sexual Assault by Sexual Contact and two counts of 3rd-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Minor.
Defendant Schonhauser was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor McDonald and Chief Fodor request 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.