An Absecon man accused of sexual assaults of three underage girls was ordered held in jail during a detention hearing Wednesday.
Alfonso Chavez, 42, allegedly began assaulting a female relative when she was 5 years old, the now-13-year-old girl told police.
The assaults continued weekly and sometimes daily for years, minus an approximate two-year “break” from 2020 through 2021, the girl said, according to the affidavit of probable cause obtained by BreakingAC.
Two other girls told police they were molested when they slept at the victim’s home.
An investigation was sparked when a friend’s parent told police that the victim and Chavez were exchanging texts of a “sexual nature,” the affidavit states.
The girl told police Chavez — who is referred to as Fonz — would text “get comfortable,” which would mean she should take off her underwear.
The girls’ two friends told the detective they knew of the assaults, with one saying the victim disclosed that Chavez had assaulted her for the past six years.
Both girls are younger than 13, and indicated that Chavez touched them during the night when they stayed at the home.
The victim’s mother said she did not know of the alleged abuse until about two weeks before she was interviewed by detectives.
Chavez detailed sexual behavior he had with the girl to her mother in calls the woman allowed police to record, the affidavit states.
“He said it happened upwards of 20 times,” Chief Assistant Prosecutor David Ruffenach told the judge. “Given his admissions, these are very serious allegations.”
Chavez denied abusing the girl's two friends.
Ruffenach noted that Chavez also has a prior conviction that included a sexual component. In 2006, he admitted to unlawful possession of a weapon.
That case involved meeting a prostitute, who he threatened with the knife to force her to perform sexual acts, Ruffenach said.
Chavez’s defense attorney argued for his release, questioning the proof of a first-degree charge.
The father of four children ages 20, 17, 15 and 10, has been employed at Resorts “for some time,” attorney John Bjorklund said.
Ruffenach said there was information that Chavez may try to flee to either Chicago or Seattle.
“He had every opportunity to flee the jurisdiction,” Bjorklund countered, saying that his client knew the charges were coming. “But he did not flee.”
Judge Joseph Levin found that the defense did not overcome the presumption of detention that comes with his current charges.
“The defendant clearly represents a danger, flight risk and obstruction,” Levin said in ordering Chavez held.
