A Howell man is named in a 13-count indictment handed up by a Monmouth County grand jury charging him with following several women in an attempt to rob and sexually assault them, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced on June 1.
The charges against Tristan Reyes, 19, of Howell, stem from three incidents in February and March. During those incidents, Reyes observed three women shopping in local stores and allegedly drove behind them, following them to their homes. A subsequent police investigation revealed Reyes allegedly planned to rob and sexually assault two of the women while armed with a knife, but that his efforts were thwarted, Gramiccioni said.
Reyes is charged with two counts of first degree attempted armed robbery, four counts of first degree attempted aggravated sexual assault, two counts of second degree attempted burglary, two counts of third degree possession of a weapon (knife) for an unlawful purpose, two counts of fourth degree unlawful possession of a weapon (knife), and one count of third degree attempted burglary.
If convicted of attempted robbery, Reyes faces a sentence of up to 20 years in state prison on each count. If convicted of attempted aggravated sexual assault, he faces up to 20 years in state prison on each count. If convicted of attempted burglary, he faces up to 20 years in state prison on each count. If convicted of possession of weapon for an unlawful purpose, he faces a sentence of three to five years in prison. If convicted of unlawful possession of a weapon, Reyes faces 18 months in state prison, according to the prosecutor.
Reyes has remained incarcerated in the Monmouth County jail, Freehold Township, since his arrest on March 9.