BY CHRISTINE VARNO
Staff Writer

LONG BRANCH — Two Long Branch juveniles and an Asbury Park man facing sexual assault and robbery charges may be involved with several other unreported crimes, according to the city police department.

On Aug. 24 at approximately midnight, Long Branch police responded to Chelsea Avenue after they received a call reporting a robbery and sexual assault of a 24-year-old female victim, according to police.

The female, who used a translator to give her account, reported that three young black males approached her as she was standing near her boyfriend’s vehicle, waiting for him to come out of the house, according to reports.

One of the subjects allegedly produced a knife and demanded her cell phone, according to Detective Lieutenant Bruce Johantgen, who said once the victim surrendered her phone, one of the accused allegedly fondled her breast and groin areas before fleeing.

The 17-year-old suspect was found hiding under an SUV on Memorial Parkway and the 14-year-old suspect was found riding a bicycle on Second Avenue, police reported.

The 17-year-old was found to be in possession of the victim’s cell phone and another cell phone, and both juveniles were arrested and charged with aggravated sexual contact, possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and robbery. The two were transported to the Youth Detection Center in Freehold.

Later that day, Daniel Smith, 18, Asbury Park, was arrested in conjunction with the crime and charged with robbery. Bail was set at $100,000 with no 10 percent option.

The investigation revealed that the accused may possibly be involved in other robberies that evening or on days prior, according to Johantgen.

“It also appears that most victims did not report the crimes,” Johantgen said. “This may be attributed to the fact that they are not English-speaking, or that their legal status may be in question and they may be reluctant to talk to police.”

The Long Branch Police Department is urging all residents who are victims of any of these or other crimes to come forward.

“We are only interested in them as victims and will treat them accordingly,” Johantgen said.