Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today Orange Police Officer Ricardo A. Arias-Vasquez, 34, of Hampton has been charged with criminal sexual contact and witness tampering for touching a woman during a routine traffic stop.
The alleged incident occurred on Nov. 18. While on duty, Arias-Vasquez allegedly pulled the woman over and touched her inappropriately. He is charged with one count of criminal sexual contact with a victim over whom he had disciplinary power, a third degree offense.
He is also charged with one count of witness tampering, also a third degree offense.
Arias-Vasquez worked for the Paterson Police Department from May 2007 to April 2011 when he was laid off. He worked for the Orange Police Department from October 2011 to July 2012. He joined the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office in July 2012 and stayed until June 2013 when he returned to Orange.
Today, Arias-Vasquez surrendered with his attorney at the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office in Newark
Bail was set at $25,000 by the Honorable Peter Ryan, Judge of the Superior Court. Arias-Vasquez is scheduled to make his first court appearance before Judge Ryan on Dec. 30.
These are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information should contact the Professional Standards Bureau of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office 862-520-3700.