Chatham Resident Charged With Sexual Assault

A 20-year old Chatham resident was charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault after he had a sexual relationship with a 12-year old girl he met on the Internet, according to Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow.

Romankow said in a news release that John Grasso, 20, of Chatham, was charged with second-degree sexual assault in addition to the first-degree charge. He was reportedly arrested at his home at 2 p.m. today.

Grasso was previously employed at the borough's Memorial Park pool and at the Y.M.C.A. in Summit, according to Romankow.

Romankow said Grasso met the victim on the Internet in June 2009 and eventually suggested the two meet in person. From June through September, according to the prosecutor, Grasso met the victim several times in and around Union and Morris counties and engaged in sexual acts with the victim.

Police were notified of the matter when one of the victim's parents became aware of the assaults, Romanko said.

Union County Superior Court Judge Robert J. Mega ordered Grasso held on $250,000 bail at the Union County Jail. Grasso will make his first court appearance in the coming days, according to the news release.

Romanko said Detective Patricia Gusmano of the Union County Prosecutor Office conducted the investigation.