By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Somerset County announced the arrest of Pierre Joseph, 68, of Plainfield, in relation to the Explicit Contact of two minors in North Plainfield.
Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at approximately 4:38 p.m., the North Plainfield Police Department responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a possible Explicit Contact of a minor at a local church that occurred earlier that day.
Upon arrival at the church, officials stated that officers from the North Plainfield Police Department were told that the suspect, identified as Pierre Joseph, had been detained at the church until their arrival.
According to officials, officers transported Joseph to the North Plainfield Police Department for questioning.
Detectives from the North Plainfield Police Department notified the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit of the report of a possible Explicit Contact of a minor, officials say.
Arrangements were made to interview the 7-year-old male victim at the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Child Advocacy Center, officials said.
Officials stated the 7-year-old male victim was interviewed at the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Child Advocacy Center by a detective from the Somerset County Special Victim’s Unit.
The victim disclosed that a church member followed him into the bathroom, pulled down his pants and underwear, and touched him, authorities say.
Officials said the 7-year-old reported this incident to another individual, who reported it to the pastor at the church.
During this investigation, it was determined that a 9-year-old male victim had disclosed a similar incident involving the same individual, which occurred in January or February 2024, according to officials.
Officials stated that on Sunday, June 23, 2024, the 9-year-old male was interviewed at the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Child Advocacy Center by detectives from the Special Victim’s Unit.
The 9-year-old disclosed to the detective that he was touched on his private area in the bathroom at the church, officials say.
Authorities say detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit and the North Plainfield Police Department conducted an investigation.
As a result of this investigation, officials said, on Sunday, June 23, 2024, Pierre Joseph was placed under arrest at the North Plainfield Police Department.
Defendant Joseph was charged with two counts of 2nd-degree Explicit Contact and two counts of 3rd-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, officials stated.
Officials said defendant Joseph was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing in this matter.