Story by Ethan
On March 28th, 2025, the arrest of Elmer Barranco, age 22, was announced by Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella. Elmer Barranco was charged with two counts of second-degree sexual assault, two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, and several summons for motor vehicle violations. The arrest and charges against Elmer Barranco were a result of an investigation launched by Chief Matthew Finck of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, and Officer-in-Charge Captain Timothy Keenan of the Oakland Police Department.
According to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, on March 27th, 2025, police from the Oakland Police Department responded to a civilian report of a sudden scream around the intersection of Ramapo Valley Road and East Oak Street. Responding officers located a child between the ages of 13-16 who told police about a sexual altercation that took place with an adult male within a vehicle in the area. Police found the vehicle nearby with the adult male described inside, who was identified as Elmer Barranco. A join investigation determined that Elmer Barranco was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident, that he was acquainted with the victim, and sexually assaulted the victim on another separate occasion in Clifton, New Jersey. Elmer Barranco was promptly arrested and housed in the Bergen County Jail pending his first court appearance.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office stated that the charges against Elmer Barranco are merely accusations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
