MONMOUTH COUNTY — A New York man has been convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl at a Neptune motel more than two years ago, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Friday.
A jury found David Leigh, 35, of Auburn, New York, guilty of second-degree sexual assault, third-degree endangering the welfare of a child and fourth-degree criminal sexual contact following a trial before Superior Court Judge Natalie S. Watson.
According to investigators, Leigh met the victim through social media and arranged to meet her in person in April 2023. The assault occurred at a local motel, and authorities said the girl had told Leigh her age prior to the encounter.
Leigh was arrested in January 2024. A grand jury returned a three-count indictment against him in March.
Jurors deliberated for about two hours following a weeklong trial before returning the guilty verdicts. Prosecutors presented physical and electronic evidence, along with testimony from the victim.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutors Sarah M. Mielke and Christopher Ammon. Leigh was represented by attorney George J. Mardinly.
Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 12. Leigh faces up to 10 years in prison, mandatory sex offender registration under Megan’s Law, and Parole Supervision for Life.
