Newark police officer charged with sexually assaulting young girl

NEWARK — A 36-year-old Newark police officer has been charged with sexually assaulting a young girl, authorities in Essex County said Wednesday.

Manny Marques, a resident of West Caldwell, has been charged with first-degree sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, Essex County Prosecutor's Office spokeswoman Katherine Carter said.

According to Carter, the incident took place on Sept. 10 in Newark. She said the victim is known to Marques, but she did not disclose the nature of their relationship. She said the incident wasn't related to his work as a police officer.

Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose told NJ Advance Media that Marques, a 14-year veteran of the force, has been suspended without pay.

Marques is being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility in lieu of $225,000 bail with no 10 percent option, authorities said Wednesday.

Toniann Antonelli is a social content producer for NJ 101.5. She can be reached at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.

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