A New Jersey man is charged with the kidnapping and sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl who went missing from her West Newton home Tuesday.
Andrew X. Carnegie-Blackman, 23, of Highland Park, was arrested Thursday on charges of kidnapping, human trafficking, criminal sexual contact and two counts each of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, Highland Park Police Chief Rick Abrams and Middlesex County, N.J., Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey said in a news release.
The Tribune-Review does not identify potential victims of sexual assault.
A preliminary investigation determined that Carnegie-Blackman drove to Pennsylvania to pick up the teen after he allegedly met and recruited her on social media. According to court documents, he made arrangements with the girl to transport her on Tuesday from her home to his New Jersey residence to engage in sexual activity.
West Newton police on Wednesday notified Highland Park police about the runaway and asked them to check a Highland Park residence. Police went to the home, found the girl and took Carnegie-Blackman into custody on Thursday, according to the release.
Court documents indicate Carnegie-Blackman is accused of using force or coercion while engaging in sexual conduct that would “impair or debauch the morals of the victim,” who “did not sustain severe personal injury.”
She was taken to a hospital for assessment, according to the documents.
Carnegie-Blackman also is charged with tampering with physical evidence. Police allege he deleted phone records of his communications with the teen.
He was scheduled for an initial court appearance Friday.
