Crime & Safety

South Toms River Man Accused of Sexually Abusing Two Children

Prosecutors say more victims may be located

A South Toms River man is facing charges of sexually assaulting two children beginning when they were as young as six years old, prosecutors say.

Marcelo E. Saavedra, 56, was arrested Thursday after the two children, now 14 and 15, disclosed that Saavedra sexually abused them and that the abuse began at the age of approximately 6 and continued for numerous years, said Al Della Fave, spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

During the course of the investigation, Detective Thomas Tiernan of the prosecutor's office located others victims, whose cases "unfortunately, fall outside the statute of limitations," Della Fave said. "These victims also provided statements that they had been sexually abused by the defendant."

Saavedra is lodged in Ocean County Jail in lieu of $300,000 cash bail set by Ocean County Superior Court Judge Francis Hodgson.

Della Fave said there is the potential that more victims may be found. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office is encouraging any other victims to contact Tiernan of the Special Victims Unit at 732-929-2027.


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