CRIME

Wenonah man charged with sex assault at Washington Township church events

Cherry Hill Courier-Post
Jeremy J. Hellyer was charged with sex crimes for allegedly assaulting a minor at church events.

WASHINGTON TWP. - A Gloucester County man has been charged with sex crimes for allegedly assaulting a minor at church events.

Jeremey J. Hellyer, 21, of Wenonah allegedly sexually assaulted a juvenile "on various dates between April of 2016 and December of 2017," police said.

Officers were called to the Gloucester County Community Church on Oct. 15 and were told the Clinton Avenue man "assaulted a juvenile while attending different church functions," according to a news release issued by the Washington Township Police Department.

According to a criminal complaint, the teen "performed oral sex on (Hellyer) and he engaged in sexual intercourse with her."

An affidavit of probable cause alleges the girl was 13 when the relationship started and continued for more than a year and led to them "having sexual intercourse when she was 15."

The girl and her parents went to the police department on Oct. 15 to report the crimes, according to the affidavit. 

Hellyer admitted to the crimes through a "consensual intercept" over text messages, police said.

Hellyer was charged with sexual assault and criminal sexual assault. He is being held in Salem County Jail pending a hearing.

The church on Thursday issued a statement in response to the arrest: “We understand the serious nature of the charges and our hearts are deeply saddened. We will be cooperating with the police in its investigation. Our prayers for healing are with the families at this time.”

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