By: Richard L. Smith
An Atlantic County man has pleaded guilty to charges involving the abuse and exploitation of a minor who was under the age of 13 when the offenses occurred.
According to information released by Atlantic County authorities, Rufino Carreon-Peralta, 50, of Egg Harbor Township, pleaded guilty Tuesday, August 11, to first-degree aggravated sexual assault and first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor involving the filming of prohibited explicit contact.
Under the plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend an 18-year New Jersey State Prison sentence without parole on the aggravated assault charge. He also faces a concurrent 10-year sentence on the endangering charge, subject to the No Early Release Act.
The investigation began in May 2023 when Egg Harbor Township Police received a report from a juvenile who accused Carreon-Peralta, identified as the victim’s stepfather, of ongoing abuse.
Authorities said the victim reported that Carreon-Peralta engaged in inappropriate and explicit contact with the minor while the victim was younger than 13 and also permitted prohibited acts to be filmed.
Carreon-Peralta remains lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility while awaiting sentencing.
Following his eventual release from prison, authorities said he will be required to register under Megan’s Law and will remain under Parole Supervision for Life.