By Sean Ruppert, Staff Writer
An East Windsor man has been indicted by a grand jury for allegedly photographing the bare chest of a 6-year-old girl in ShopRite on Route 130.
James Branchide, 38, of the Shady Rest Trailer Park on Rocky Brook Road, is accused of following the girl around the store, motioning her over to him in an aisle and lifting her shirt to take pictures with his cellphone July 15. He was an employee of the store at the time, according to a release from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
Mr. Branchide was charged with one count of second-degree luring of a child, one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The charges carry a maximum combined penalty of 25 years in prison, according to the release.
He was indicted March 13 and was being held at the Mercer County Correction Center in Hopewell in lieu of $50,000 bail. He has been held at the center since he was arrested in July, according to Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office spokeswoman Casey DeBlasio.
Also indicted in the case was Anthony Zukowski, 55, of Bordentown, who is accused of “knowingly” possessing or viewing the photographs from Mr. Branchide. Mr. Zukowski also worked at the store at the time.
Store manager Michael McDonald said this week that both men were fired from the store.
Mr. Zukowski was arrested by township police Aug. 6, according to Prosecutor’s Office. He was charged with fourth-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and is free on $15,000 bail. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 18 months in prison, according to Ms. DeBlasio.
Police said Shop Rite management reported that Mr. Branchide had been accused by a customer of taking the photographs. The girl told her mother, who in turn told the store management, police said.
Mr. Branchide was taken into custody July 22 at his home by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s office Child Abuse/Sexual Assault Unit.