By: Tracie Carter
According to information released by Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Officer-in-Charge Patrick Murray, a 27-year-old man from Paterson has been arrested in connection with a violent home invasion and sexual assault that occurred earlier this year.
Jesus Mora Cruz was taken into custody without incident on July 24, 2025, following an investigation by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, with support from the Paterson Police Department.
The charges against Mora Cruz are extensive and severe.
He is facing multiple offenses including first-degree attempted murder, first-degree aggravated sexual assault, first-degree robbery, first-degree home invasion burglary, and several weapons and assault-related charges.
Authorities say the incident took place on March 26, 2025, when Paterson police responded to a report of a home invasion.
The female victim told investigators that she was awakened to find an unknown man on top of her, holding a knife to her neck.
She was sexually and physically assaulted, and the assailant fled the scene after stealing items from the residence. The victim was treated at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center for non-fatal stab wounds.
Through interviews and investigative work, law enforcement identified Mora Cruz as the suspect responsible for the attack.
If convicted, Mora Cruz faces significant prison time. 
The most serious charges—attempted murder, robbery, and home invasion burglary—each carry potential sentences of 10 to 20 years in state prison under the No Early Release Act, requiring 85% of the term to be served before parole eligibility.
The investigation remains ongoing.