Viktor Zhadanov, 26, of Howell was charged with sexually assaulting a 13-year-old Morris County girl he met in an online kids’ chat room, after police found him alone with her in his SUV at 1 a.m. 

The girl allegedly reported that she had previously met Zhadanov on another occasion when she  performed a sex act on him.   They allegedly met in a kids’ online chat room where he used the name Slave and claimed to be 15 years old and from Newark.

Zhadanov gave a statement and told police that he drove from his home in Howell to meet the girl on a few occasions but he denied knowing her age or that he engaged in any sexual activity with her.  However, there is no indication as to how he claims met her.   

This case will likely turn on whether or not the State can prove the computer evidence.  If they can’t, the entire case will turn on the girl’s credibility.  You kind of have to wonder about a 13 year old girl that is allowed to go out at 1am and what type of family she comes from.  Thus, he may have a decent shot here.

Story is here.

Jerry Jones, a crisis intervention counselor who works for the Union County Division of Youth Services was arrested on charges of sexual assault involving four children.  The children range in age from 6 to 14 years old.  He is charged with three counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of second-degree sexual assault and one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor.

The  investigation began after a boy told his parents that Jones had assaulted him and a further investigation revealed additional victims.  This sounds like a real tough case as it is really four cases.  Thus, to win, a defense attorney would have to win all four cases.  The State has to just win one in order to put him away for a long time.

His best bet is to work out a deal and to work it out sooner rather than later.  With his older age, you want to stay away from anything that could be a de facto life sentence. 

Story is here.