FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2018
Contact:
Kraig Troxell, Media Relations and Communications Manager, 703-771-5278
Kraig.Troxell@loudoun.gov
Alex Kowalski, Public Information Officer, 703-777-0625
Aleksandra.Kowalski@loudoun.gov
Loudoun County, VA- A New Jersey man who traveled to Loudoun County and sexually assaulted a juvenile he met through a mobile messaging app was taken into custody last week after an investigation conducted by detectives with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit.
The suspect, Matthew J. Essen, 20, of Marlboro, NJ, met the victim through the Kik app and traveled to the Ashburn area on May 20. The victim was sexually assaulted by the suspect and some of the acts were recorded. The victim disclosed the incident the following day.
Detectives with the LCSO worked in coordination with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Office of the Monmouth County (NJ) Prosecutor and the Office of the Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney, to identify the suspect.
Essen was served Friday with a Fugitive of Justice Warrant and is facing charges in Loudoun County of two counts of carnal knowledge, two counts of production of child pornography, indecent liberties with a child and online solicitation of a minor.
Essen remains held in New Jersey pending an extradition hearing. Further information regarding the juvenile is not being released to protect their identity.
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