FREEHOLD – A Monmouth County Grand Jury has returned a ten-count indictment against three men for sexual contact against a minor at a Red Bank eatery where they all had previously worked together, announced Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey.
Trinidad Mendez-Romero, 31, of Tinton Falls and Eduardo Jimenez-Berdejo, 34, of Red Bank were both indicted on two counts each of third-degree Endangering the Welfare of Child and two counts each of fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact. Jesus E. Reyes-Rodriguez, 35, of Red Bank, was indicted on one count of third-degree Endangering the Welfare of Child and one count of fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact. The charges are in connection with multiple cases of sexual contact with an underage female co-worker at two separate Red Bank restaurants. The incidents took place on various dates between June 2020 and February 10, 2021.
If convicted of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Jimenez-Berdejo, Reyes-Rodriguez, and Mendez-Romero would face a sentence of up to five years imprisonment in a state prison. In addition, they would be required to register under Megan’s Law.
If convicted Criminal Sexual Contact, Jimenez-Berdejo, Reyes-Rodriguez, and Mendez-Romero face a sentence on each count of 18 months in a state prison.
The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Nicole Wallace.
Jimenez-Berdejo is represented by Timothy B. Shea, Esq., of Ocean Twp., Reyes-Rodriguez is represented by Kevin A. Buchan, Esq., of Tinton Falls, and Mendez-Romero is represented by Robert Honecker, Esq. of Ocean Twp.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
