Manahawkin man accused of molesting preteen

A Manahawkin 24-year-old awaits court proceedings, charged with the repeated sexual abuse of a girl who is now half his age.

Leonardo D. Rugerio was apprehended Wednesday following an investigation stemming from a report by the 12-year-old alleged victim, according to the office of Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato.

The girl accused Rugerio of inappropriate contact over a span of several years. The investigation was led by Detective Stephany Bayha of the Prosecutor's Special Victims Unit, Stafford Township Detective Drew Smith, and New Jersey State Trooper Marcelo Pirez.

Rugerio's bail was set at $100,000, with no option for release on payment of 10 percent. Superior Court Judge James Blaney also invoked Nicole's Law, barring contact with the girl.

The Prosecutor's Office issues a reminder that criminal charges are accusations, and that defendants are innocent until and unless proven guilty.