ABERDEEN TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Aberdeen Township Police Department, aided by multiple law enforcement agencies, has charged Benjamin Pessin of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with kidnapping, endangering the welfare of a child, and aggravated sexual assault.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of December 4,, when two female juveniles were reported knocking on doors in Aberdeen Township, seeking shelter. The police were notified through a 911 call from a concerned resident. This led to a 20-hour intensive investigation involving Aberdeen Township’s patrol division and detective bureau, supported by the Marlboro Township Police Department, Old Bridge Township Police Department, and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
Pessin’s arrest is attributed to the quick and coordinated efforts of the involved police departments. The victims were safely reunited with their mother and have since returned home.
Detective Heather Ford is the lead investigator on the case. The Aberdeen Township Police Department urges anyone with information about this incident or previous interactions with Pessin to contact Detective Ford at heather.ford@aberdeennj.org. For immediate assistance, the department’s direct line is 732-566-2054.