Authorities are investigating allegations that a Newark firefighter sexually assaulted a woman inside a downtown firehouse, sources say
NEWARK -- Authorities are investigating allegations that a Newark firefighter sexually assaulted a woman inside a downtown firehouse, NJ Advance Media has learned.
Spokesman for the Newark Fire Department Capt. John Brown confirmed the existence of the investigation, but declined to comment citing its ongoing nature.
A source familiar with the probe told NJ Advance Media the Essex County Prosecutor's Office initiated its investigation after the alleged Wednesday incident.
According to the source, department investigators arrived at the fire station located at 65 Congress St. in the heart of the Ironbound district Thursday evening to gather evidence from the scene.
The source spoke on the condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing. The source's details were confirmed by others familiar with the facts of the case and the investigation.
Reached Friday, Thomas Fennelly, Chief Assistant Prosecutor with the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, said he could neither confirm or deny the existence of an investigation into the allegations.
Attempts to reach the chief and director of the fire department were not immediately successful.
Chuck West, president of the Newark Firefighters Union, declined to comment on the investigation.
According to sources familiar with the nature of the investigation, the firefighter in question had attended an event in downtown Newark Wednesday evening. Following the event, the alleged victim accompanied the firefighter to the firehouse, where the assault allegedly took place, the sources said.
An internal investigation by the Newark Fire Department's Arson Unit, which is charged with conducting internal investigations, is active and ongoing, said a source familiar with the allegations.
Vernal Coleman can be reached at vcoleman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @vernalcoleman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
