Skip to main content

NYC Reporter Charles Leaf Arrested for Sex Abuse

By Tanya Roth, Esq. on October 11, 2010 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

An award-winning reporter for Fox News in New York is under arrest for sexual assault of a child. Reporter Charles Leaf was arrested on October 7 on three counts of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child. It has been reported that the child in question was a four year-old acquaintance of the reporter's and that the assault took place at his home in New Jersey.

Charles Leaf is an ex-marine who has been a reporter for Fox 5 News since 2006, reports WPIX News. His arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County New Jersey prosecutor's office Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit and the Wyckoff Police Department. No further details on the arrest or charges are currently available.

The charges Leaf faces include first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Sexual assault laws vary, but the crime can include anything from unwanted and offensive touching to rape.

New Jersey also has an interesting addition to its sexual assault laws. Under New Jersey law, any person convicted of sexual assault can be forced to be tested for HIV on the request of the victim. Of course this is not a case of adult sexual assault since the alleged victim is a young child. However, should Leaf be convicted, it is likely that the victim's parents or guardian would want to request a test.

According to WPIX, Leaf is being held in Bergen County jail on $250,000 bail. He has been ordered to surrender his passport and have no contact with the victim. He is scheduled for arraignment on November 4 at 7 p.m.

Fox News says it is aware of the matter and is looking into it.

Charles Leaf is married and is the father of two children.

Related Resources:

Copied to clipboard