Defendant Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child

Published on March 09, 2016

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief David J. Mayhood of the Town of Boonton Police Department announce that Luis Estrada, age 51, formerly of the Town of Boonton and Rockaway Township, New Jersey, pled guilty today to one (1) count of Aggravated Sexual Assault, a crime of the first degree.

Defendant had been facing trial on charges of first degree Aggravated Sexual Assault and second degree Sexual Assault. Jury selection had been completed with opening arguments and testimony slated to begin on March 14, 2016, before the Honorable Thomas J. Critchley, J.S.C. In pleading guilty, Defendant admitted that during the summer of 2002, he resided with the family of the then twelve (12) year old victim in the Town of Boonton. Defendant admitted that he engaged in a number of acts of oral sex with the twelve (12) year old boy. The victim did not disclose these acts to law enforcement until 2013. Defendant was 37 years old at the time of the incidents in question.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, defendant faces a sentence of twelve (12) years in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the No Early Release Act, Community Supervision for Life, and Megan's Law.

The Honorable Thomas J. Critchley, J.S.C., presided over the plea. This matter is scheduled for sentencing on May 6, 2016.

Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Meg Rodriguez and Assistant Prosecutor Caitlyn Kelly represented the State.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Town of Boonton Police Department, and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit whose efforts contributed to the investigation and resolution of the matter.

Any inquiries can be directed to Executive Captain Richard Rose at rrose@co.morris.nj.us or (973) 285-6244.