Somerset County officials announced the arrest of Mr. Vincent Damiano, 44, of Hampton, in relation to sexual assault incidents that occurred in the Township of Branchburg while working as a martial arts instructor.
Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson stated that on November 22, an adult female victim reported being sexually assaulted by martial arts instructor, Vincent Damiano, at the age of 17.
According to Prosecutor Robertson, the victim was interviewed by detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit.
As a result of this investigation, the victim disclosed incidents of sexual assault that occurred in Branchburg Township, Asbury, and the Borough of Lebanon from May 2019 to July 2019.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on November 24, 2021, it was reported to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office that a second adult female victim was sexually assaulted by martial arts instructor, Vincent Damiano, from the ages of 16 through 18.
The victim was interviewed by detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit.
As a result of this investigation, the victim disclosed incidents of sexual assault that occurred in the Branchburg Township and Asbury from July 2017 to July 2019.
As a result of this investigation, Vincent Damiano was arrested on January 6, 2022, at the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office by detectives from the Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit without incident.
According to Prosecutor Robertson, Damiano was charged with Sexual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
Damiano was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing. Damiano was subsequently released as a result of his detention hearing.
Somerset County officials request anyone with information relating to the sexual assault investigation involving Damiano to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes Unit (908) 231-7100 or the Branchburg Township Police Department at (908) 526-3830.
Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477).
All anonymous Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.