On Monday, January 06, 2025, the Washington Township Police Department
received notification regarding a sexual assault of a 9 year old victim. During
the investigation, the suspect was identified as Michael Estler who was known
to the victim.
Michael Estler was arrested and charged with the following offenses:
- Two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-
2a(1), a crime of the first degree.
- Two counts of Sexual Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2b, a crime of
the second degree.
- Lewdness, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4b(1), a crime of the fourth
degree.
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(1), a
crime of the second degree.
The first degree Aggravated Sexual Assault crimes carry a maximum sentence
of 25 years to life, the second degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of 10
years, and the fourth degree crime carries a maximum sentence of 18 months
in New Jersey State Prison.
Estler is currently being held in the Warren County Correctional Center pending
a Detention Hearing in Warren County Superior Court.
The charges are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until
and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The investigation was conducted by the Washington Township Police
Department and the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit.
