Victory Gardens Man Found Guilty of 2 Counts of First Degree Aggravated Sexual Assault of Juvenile Relative

Published on February 20, 2013

Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces today that a Morris County Jury found Luis Soto, 43 years old, of Victory Gardens guilty of 2 counts of First Degree Aggravated Sexual Assault for acts of sexual penetration with a juvenile relative under the age of 16. The jury also found the defendant guilty of 3 counts of Second Degree Sexual Assault; 2 counts of Second Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child; 1 count of Third Degree Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact; and 1 count of Fourth Degree Sexual Contact. All guilty findings involved the same victim. The guilty findings were based on the defendant's acts with the juvenile victim between August 2005 and November 2010.

Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Margaret Rodriguez and Assistant Prosecutor Brent Rafuse represented the State in the trial which commenced on January 28, 2013.

The defendant was also charged with 1 count of Second Degree Sexual Assault; 1 count of Third Degree Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact; and 1 count of Fourth Degree Criminal Sexual Contact. The defendant was found not guilty as to those charges.

The defendant faces up to 50 years in State Prison, subject to the No Early Release Act, Parole Supervision for Life, Registration Pursuant to Megan's Law, and evaluation at the Adult Diagnostic Treatment Center.

The Honorable Salem Vincent Ahto revoked bail after the guilty findings. Judge Ahto remanded the defendant into custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending sentencing which is scheduled for April 2, 2013. Acting Prosecutor Knapp thanks the New Jersey State Police, Netcong Barracks and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit whose efforts contributed to this result.

Any inquiries can be directed to First Assistant Morris County Prosecutor/SDAG Thomas Zelante at 973-285-6252 or tzelante@co.morris.nj.us.