Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal announced the arrest of JESSICA MERCER of 7 Henry Street, Moonachie, New Jersey, on charges of Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Simple Assault. The arrest is the result of a joint investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit under the direction of Chief Carmen MARTINO and the Moonachie Police Department under the direction of Chief Michael MAGUIRE.

On Tuesday, March 1, 2016, the Moonachie Police Department received a report that an assault of a juvenile female had occurred.  The reporting party also identified Jessica MERCER as the individual who committed the assault.

The Moonachie Police Department notified the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and a joint investigation ensued. During the investigation, it was determined that Jessica MERCER struck the juvenile female in the face with a hand, causing obvious injury.

As a result of the investigation and interviews, Jessica MERCER was arrested and charged with one (1) count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a 2ND degree crime and one (1) count of Simple Assault, a disorderly persons offense.

The Honorable Susan J. Steele, P.J.Cr., of Bergen County set bail at $25,000.00 with no ten (10) percent option. Jessica MERCER is to have no contact with the victim and cannot return to the victim’s residence, as conditions of bail. Jessica MERCER was remanded to the Bergen County Jail in lieu of bail. She is scheduled to make her first appearance on March 16, 2016 at 5:30 PM in Moonachie Municipal Court.

Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Grewal states that these charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and wishes to thank the Moonachie Police Department for their assistance.