Councilman Rich Brescher Supports A Victims Journey For Justice
Governor Phil Murphy signed S1017/A3748 into law on September 3rd 2024. The new law requires that victims of sexual assault be notified of certain developments concerning the evidence in their respective cases. This legislation expands New Jersey’s existing Sexual Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights, ensuring survivors are granted the updates to which they are entitled.
The Sexual Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights was enacted in 2019 to outline basic protections and fundamental rights for sexual assault survivors. It guarantees that allegations be treated with dignity and compassion, as well as several other entitlements and protections to be granted throughout investigation proceedings.
Democratic Councilman Rich Brescher is hopeful the new bill will help a victim of sexual assault get the justice she has been seeking for over two years.
“I did have a woman come to my home, a victim who sat with me for 3 hours, I found it appalling and disturbing what I was told. For me to sit quiet would be wrong. I went to the attorney general and I’m not going to be part of a cover-up” said Councilman Rich Brescher at the July 25th 2022 council meeting, after a veteran teacher came to him and provided graphic details of being sexually assaulted by Mayor Sam Joshi. To date Brescher has not been advised by either the Attorney General’s Office or the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office regarding the complaint he brought forward about Mayor Joshi being accused of Sexual Assault.
The following report from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office taken by Sergeant Michael Connelly list Sam Joshi as the suspect of Sexual Assault. It describes the victim agreeing to meet Mr. Joshi at his home for “cocktails”. After having approximately four drinks the victim felt dizzy and ill to the point she vommitted. The report continues that the victim “recalled laying in the fetal position in Mr. Joshi’s bed with just a slip on when he came from behind her and penetrated her anus with his penis.” The victim advised the investigators that Mr. Joshi was rough and that she felt pain and discomfort during the encounter, telling him it was in the wrong hole.
“Victims of sexual assault deserve justice, regardless of their assailant’s social standing or influence. It is an absolute injustice to witness countless cases where allegations are swept under the rug simply because the accused holds a position of power or influence” said Democratic Councilman Rich Brescher. “Every survivor has the right to have their complaint thoroughly investigated, to date I do not believe that has happened. We have a moral obligation to strive for a system where no one is above the law.”
“We commend the courage and bravery exhibited by sexual assault survivors that have come forward and we are here to support them on every step of their journeys to justice,” said Governor Phil Murphy in his statement. “This bipartisan legislation increases transparency with law enforcement to ensure a victim-centered approach and guarantee that survivors and their cases are treated with the care and consideration they deserve. I am proud to sign this bill into law, marking another step forward in building a safer, fairer New Jersey for all.”
“Victims of sexual assault have a right to know the details of their cases. New Jersey’s survivor-centered, trauma-informed policies have already made great strides in making our criminal justice system more accessible to survivors,” said Attorney General Platkin in statement. “With this critical legislation, Governor Murphy and the Legislature are not only increasing our chances of successfully prosecuting sexual violence offenders and diminishing their threat to public safety, they are also helping to increase survivors’ trust in our justice system.”
Public pressure is mounting for a swift and thorough conclusion to the investigation into sexual assault allegations against Mayor Sam Joshi. As details of the alleged incident continue to surface, community members, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens are voicing their demands for transparency and justice. The growing public outcry underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for accountability. Many are calling for a comprehensive and impartial investigation that leaves no stone unturned, ensuring that the truth is revealed and appropriate action is taken.
