NJ taxi driver masturbated in front of kids and woman in 2 towns, cops say

LEONIA — A Palisades Park taxi driver is facing serious sex-crime charges after he was identified as the masturbating suspect who exposed himself to children in Palisades Park and a woman in Leonia this week.

Sungmin Ha, 38, was arrested Thursday by Leonia police and charged with two counts of second-degree sexual assault by sexual contact and two counts of third-degree child endangerment.

Police say Ha had been seen masturbating in his car in front of two 11-year-olds in Palisades Park on Wednesday. A day later, a woman in Leonia also reported seeing him masturbate in his car.

He was being held Friday at the Bergen County jail pending a hearing Wednesday.

New Jersey 101.5 did not know Friday whether Ha had an attorney who could speak on his behalf.

Sergio Bichao is deputy digital editor at New Jersey 101.5. Send him news tips: Call 609-359-5348 or email sergio.bichao@townsquaremedia.com.

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