FREEHOLD – The Howell man arrested for following women from shopping centers to their homes to rob and sexual assault them was handed a 13-count indictment, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office announced.
Tristan Reyes, 19, was charged two counts each of attempted armed robbery, attempted burglary, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon; four counts of attempted aggravated sexual assault; and one count of third-degree attempted burglary.
The charges range from first- to third-degree crimes, carrying upwards of 20 years in state prison per count if convicted on the attempted robbery and sexual assault charges. He faces 18 months and 3-5 years for the weapons charges if convicted.
Reyes allegedly followed three women on three different occasions back in February, from shopping centers to their homes. A police investigation revealed Reyes planned to rob and sexually assault two of the woman at knifepoint, but “his efforts were thwarted,” the prosecutor’s office said.
He is being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Facility, where he has been since March 9.
“Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law,” the prosecutor’s office said.
