On Tuesday March 3, 31-year-old Dinis Oliveira, a Sheriff’s officer with the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, turned himself in after a woman alleged she was sexually assaulted by Oliveira in her home. According to a news article at NJ.com, the assault took place over the weekend. The woman contacted authorities on Saturday, claiming that the man who came to her home said he was a law enforcement officer. She complied with his demands before reporting the sexual assault to police.
Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray did not reveal details of the alleged assault, however upon turning himself in, Oliveira was charged with one count each of fourth-degree criminal coercion, second-degree sexual assault, and second-degree sexual misconduct. According to Sheriff Armando Fontoura, Oliveira was not on duty and not in uniform when the alleged assault took place. Oliveira has been suspended without pay, and had joined the Sheriff’s Department in June of last year after working for about one year as a volunteer deputy sheriff’s officer.
At the time of news reports, authorities were still investigating the incident. Oliveira was held on a $200,000 bond with no 10% option.
Individuals who are convicted of sexual assault, rape, or similar crimes face serious consequences, including possible imprisonment which means loss of freedom. In New Jersey, sexual assault is a second-degree offense which carries up to 10 years in prison. However, the penalties an individual will face if found guilty of various sex crimes vary from state to state. For example, in the state of Michigan first-degree criminal sexual conduct involves penetration, and carries a maximum life prison term.
For many facing these types of charges, the worst punishment of all is being labeled a sex offender or “sexual predator.” This label affects every area of an individual’s life, and can ruin his/her reputation and standing in the community. Depending on the severity of the crime, the offender may be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his or her life.
Regardless of the circumstances you face, a seasoned Michigan sex crimes attorney will work vigorously to protect your freedom, prevent a conviction, apprise you of your legal options, and reach positive results. You are innocent until proven guilty, so it is vital to work with a skilled and aggressive lawyer.