By: Richard L. Smith
An 18-year-old Hackensack man is facing multiple sexual assault charges following an investigation into allegations involving a female minor under the age of 15 in Bergen County.
According to information released by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Jefferson M. Lucero Tapia, 18, of Hackensack, was arrested after investigators determined that he allegedly sexually assaulted the victim on three separate occasions in Bogota.
Authorities said the investigation began on October 2, 2026, when the Bogota Police Department notified the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit about a reported sexual assault.
Detectives from both agencies launched an investigation that ultimately led to Lucero Tapia being identified as the suspect.
On October 6, authorities arrested Lucero Tapia in Hackensack.
Prosecutors said he was charged with five counts of second-degree sexual assault and two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a minor.
Following his arrest, Lucero Tapia was taken to the Bergen County Jail and subsequently appeared before a judge in Bergen County Superior Court.
He was later released pending additional court proceedings.
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella credited the Bogota Police Department for its cooperation and assistance throughout the investigation.