Bridgeton Man Charged in Sexual Assault of 12-Year-Old Girl
Published: 2026/01/16 14:28:12
A Bridgeton, New Jersey man is facing serious charges following an investigation into a sexual relationship with a 12-year-old girl. Alex torres-Lopez, 35, was arrested on January 7th and is accused of multiple offenses, including aggravated sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child. The case highlights the growing dangers children face online and the importance of vigilance from parents and law enforcement.
Details of the Investigation
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, in collaboration with trenton Police and the special Victims Unit, initiated an investigation on January 5th after receiving facts regarding a potential inappropriate relationship between torres-Lopez and a minor [2]. Investigators quickly resolute that the suspect had been communicating with the victim through popular social media platforms, Snapchat and Roblox.
According to authorities, Torres-Lopez and the 12-year-old girl met on multiple occasions in trenton during the fall of 2025, where they engaged in sexual intercourse [2], [[1]]. The investigation further revealed that Torres-Lopez allegedly requested and received sexually explicit images and videos from the victim.
Torres-Lopez was apprehended at his Bridgeton residence by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Special Investigations Unit without incident [[1]].
Charges Filed Against Alex Torres-Lopez
Torres-Lopez is currently charged with:
- One count of first-degree aggravated sexual assault
- One count of second-degree sexual assault
- Multiple counts of endangering the welfare of a child, specifically related to the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material [[1]].
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has requested that Torres-Lopez be detained without bail pending the outcome of the trial [2]. If convicted of the first-degree charges, Torres-Lopez could face a prison sentence of 10 to 20 years and a fine of up to $200,000. Second-degree convictions carry a potential sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
The Dangers of Online Predation
This case underscores the very real dangers children face when interacting with strangers online. Social media platforms like Snapchat and Roblox, while offering opportunities for connection and entertainment, can also be exploited by predators seeking to groom and harm vulnerable individuals. Parents and guardians are urged to be actively involved in their children’s online lives, monitoring their activity, and educating them about the risks of communicating with people they don’t know in person.
Experts recommend the following safety measures:
- Open Communication: Encourage children to talk to you about their online experiences and any uncomfortable interactions.
- Privacy Settings: Help children understand and adjust the privacy settings on their social media accounts.
- Monitoring: supervise children’s online activity, especially on platforms where they can communicate with strangers.
- Education: Teach children about the dangers of sharing personal information online and the importance of reporting suspicious behavior.
Looking Ahead
The investigation into this case is ongoing, and authorities are committed to bringing Alex Torres-Lopez to justice. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect children from online exploitation. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s office encourages anyone with information related to this case to come forward and assist with the investigation [3].
