Westfield Man Charged with Sexual Assault in Rochelle Park

Authorities say Michael W. Smith, 41, sexually assaulted an adult victim in Rochelle Park, New Jersey.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:23pm

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A 41-year-old Westfield man named Michael W. Smith has been arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault and third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact. The charges stem from an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office and the Rochelle Park Police Department into an alleged sexual assault that occurred in Rochelle Park on January 18.

Why it matters

Sexual assault cases are serious crimes that can have a profound impact on victims and the broader community. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to investigate and prosecute such allegations, though the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The details

According to authorities, on January 18 the Rochelle Park Police Department contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit regarding an alleged sexual assault. An investigation revealed that Michael W. Smith sexually assaulted an adult victim in Rochelle Park. Smith was arrested on January 29 in Westfield and is currently being held in the Bergen County Jail pending a detention hearing.

  • The alleged sexual assault occurred on January 18, 2026.
  • Smith was arrested on January 29, 2026.

The players

Michael W. Smith

A 41-year-old man from Westfield, New Jersey who has been charged with two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault and third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact.

Mark Musella

The Bergen County Prosecutor who announced Smith's arrest.

Jeff Angermeyer

The chief of the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, which conducted the investigation.

Dean Pinto

The chief of the Rochelle Park Police Department, which also participated in the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“The charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”

— Mark Musella, Bergen County Prosecutor

What’s next

Smith will face a detention hearing in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack to determine if he will be released on bail pending trial.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of thorough investigations into allegations of sexual assault, as well as the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in the criminal justice system.