Elizabeth man sexually assaulted the child he was hired to care for, cops say

ELIZABETH — A man who was hired through a website to care for a child has been charged with sexually assaulting the child on multiple occasions.

Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park said 31-year-old Jonathan Tavara-Nima had been hired by the family last year through the website care.com. Park said Tavara-Nima cared for the child on a "regular basis."

Park said he then sexually assaulted the child in locations including the Benedict Motel in Linden, a residence in Union Township and in Tavara-Nima's car. He also is alleged to have taken pictures of the child in what Park described as "sexual poses" during the encounters.

Tavara-Nima has been charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, two counts of second-degree sexual assault and three counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Park said under the Jessica Lunsford Act, a conviction for aggravated sexual assault against a child under 13 carries a mandatory minimum charge of 25 years in jail and, serving the full term before being eligible for parole.

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Contact reporter Adam Hochron at 609-359-5326 or Adam.Hochron@townsquaremedia.com