ELIZABETH LANDLORD CHARGED WITH SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST 7 ADDITIONAL TENANTS, BRINGING THE TOTAL TO 20
" Joseph Centanni Of Mountainside, New Jersey Has Been Charged A Second Time With Sexual Assault Charges."
July 1, 2021 By Art Fletcher Reporting For: Englebrook Independent News,
ELIZABETH, NJ.- On Thursday, July 1, 2021, Acting Union County Prosecutor Lyndsay V. Ruotolo, Elizabeth Police Chief Giacomo Sacca, and Elizabeth Police Director Earl Graves announced the Owner of hundreds of rental units scattered across 18 residential properties in Elizabeth, New Jersey who was initially arrested earlier this year and criminally charged with coercing more than a dozen of his tenants into Sexual Acts in exchange for financial relief has been rearrested and charged with similar crimes against a group of additional victims.
Joseph Centanni, 74, of Mountainside, New Jersey was charged with Five additional counts of Second Degree Sexual Assault, and Seven additional counts of Fourth Degree Criminal Sexual Contact, bringing the total of alleged victims to 20, and the Total Number of Criminal Charges against Mr. Centanni to 35.
The alleged incidents in question took place at various times between 2013 to 2020, with male and female victims, ranging in age from 22 to 61.
A long-term investigation initiated by a referral from the Elizabeth Police Department and led by The Union County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit revealed that Centanni targeted tenants or prospective tenants who were homeless, about to be evicted, or otherwise struggling financially, according to Special Victims Unit Supervisor and Assistant Prosecutor Caroline Lawlor, who is prosecuting the case.
Each of the victims reported feeling as though they had no choice but to concede to Centanni's demands, citing dire personal circumstances such as trying to maintain housing for their young children.
The Defendant allegedly described the sex acts he solicited from his victims as a quid pro quo, agreeing to offer them rent reductions, a delay in eviction, or other forms of financial assistance in exchange. He also threatened tenants who hesitated or refused his advances with eviction or other reatitoty measures.
" I commend the tireless commitment of the Investigators and Prosecutors as they continued pursuing justice for every victim impacted by the alleged acts of the defendant," Acting Union County Prosecutor Lyndsay Ruotolo said.
Centanni was taken into custody on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, without incident and lodged in The Essex County Correctional Facility, pending his first appearance in Union County superior Court. He had been free on pretrial release with conditions following his initial arrest.
Acting Union County Prosecutor Lyndsay Ruotolo would like to acknowledge the Law Enforcement Agencies that participated with the investigation which has resulted in additional charges being filed against Centaani.
There is a separate, ongoing Fair Housing Act lawsuit against Centanni brought by The United States Department of Justice. Individuals can report Sexual Harassment and other forms of housing discrimination by contacting the U.S. Attorney's Office Civil Rights Hotline at (855) 281-3339, or by emailing The Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov.
Any additional victims of Centanni who have not come forward and anyone with information regarding Centanni's activities are urged to contact Detective Son of The Union County Prosecutor's Office at (908) 477-1698.
" The Rules Of The Court Require Us To Include A Statement, Which States: The Charges Are Merely Accusations And The Defendant And Or Defendants Are Presumed Innocent Unless And Until Proven Guilty Beyond Reasonable Doubt."
FILED UNDER JULY 1, 2021: LAW, UNION: