East Hanover Resident Faces Charges in Child Sexual Assault Case

Gerardo Patrizio, 65, has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and endangering a child, with legal proceedings to follow.

Authorities in Morris County have arrested Gerardo Patrizio, 65, of East Hanover, New Jersey, on severe allegations involving the sexual assault of a child. Announced by Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and East Hanover Township Police Chief Christopher F. Cannizzo, the charges stem from incidents believed to have occurred between March 1, 2022, and March 1, 2024.

Patrizio faces three counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, three counts of second-degree sexual assault, and one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. These charges have placed him under detention at the Morris County Correctional Facility as mandated by the Criminal Justice Reform Act, awaiting further court proceedings.

The investigation, which remains active and ongoing, has involved multiple law enforcement bodies, including the East Hanover Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit. Due to the sensitive nature of the case and in compliance with legal protections, further details on the incidents and the victim's identity remain confidential.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has issued a call to the public, urging anyone with additional information about this case or other potential incidents involving the defendant to come forward and contact their Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at (973) 285-6200.

It is important to remember that a criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt and that Gerardo Patrizio, like all defendants, is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.