Authorities fear more area children assaulted
Police say alleged
sex offender frequented Henry Hudson Trail
By elaine van develde
Staff Writer

A joint investigation by the Middletown Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office has culminated in the arrest of an alleged child molester, but authorities fear other children may also have been approached.

On July 7, Middletown police arrested Christian Apicella, 22, of Racoon Drive, Hazlet, and charged him with sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a 9-year-old girl during an incident the previous day in North Middletown, according to First Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor Robert Honecker.

"We have alerted various police departments — Middletown, Hazlet, Union Beach and Keansburg — and feel that there is reason to think that there are at least a few other young females who had contact with Apicella," Honecker added.

"We hate to think it, but we’re pretty sure there are additional victims, not necessarily in Middletown," said Middletown Patrolman Daniel Benbrook, who participated in the investigation.

In the meantime, the victim’s father and a group of concerned parents in the area have launched their own campaign to inform residents. Fliers have been distributed warning of Apicella’s alleged activity, including a description. They ask that anyone with information come forward.

Benbrook responded to a call at the victim’s North Middletown home on July 6, and obtained information from the victim, witnesses and the victim’s family which led to Apicella’s arrest.

Apicella is being held on $100,000 bail with no-10 percent- option. "If convicted, he can face up to 10 years on this charge alone," Honecker said.

Police, prosecutors and the victim’s father think there may be more victims of incidents that can be traced back as far as a year ago.

They urge parents to talk with their children and come forward if there has been any contact with the suspect. Apicella is 5-feet 7-inches tall and weighs about 145 pounds, has light brown hair "shaved or closely cut to his head and some light facial-hair growth," according to a description from a member of the prosecutor’s office.

The victim’s father believes that Apicella, who is originally from the Bergen County area, "somehow has a connection in this area and has been around for at least a year" using the Henry Hudson Trail to travel. "He tells girls he’s 17 and asks them sick, inappropriate personal questions," he said.

"This was happening right in my own back yard, and I have a locked gate. People need to talk with their children to make sure any other victims come forward."

Apicella allegedly entered the victim’s fenced-in yard in North Middletown where she and three other girls were playing at about 3 p.m. July 6 and asked for directions. Before a neighboring adult had a chance to intervene, the conversation turned inappropriate and the alleged acts occurred after Apicella somehow isolated the one girl.

Middletown Police Detective First Class Richard Rast is heading the investigation in Middletown. Anyone believed to have had contact with Apicella should contact Det. Rast at the Middletown Police Detective Bureau or call the Sex Crime Bureau at the Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 431-7012.