PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) —
UPDATED: Sept. 20, 2021 at 3:10 p.m.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office will moving to detain Brian Lee Avis, 59, who was arrested and charged on Sept. 13 for allegedly sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl during a home invasion in the summer of 1996.
ORIGINAL STORY BELOW:
An Atlantic County, New Jersey man has been arrested in a child sexual assault case more than two decades old.
Brian Lee Avis, 59 from Egg Harbor City, has been charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child under 13, burglary and endangering the welfare of a child.
Authorities believe there could be additional victims out there.
There were a series of odd behavioral incidents reported to Brigantine police in the summers of 1995 and 1996. State officials said a man was displaying "voyeuristic behavior," including breaking into at least two homes and trying to sexually assault teenage girls.
They said that on July 19, 1996, Avis got into a home on East Evans Boulevard in Brigantine City, and sexually assaulted a sleeping 10-year-old girl.
The victim woke up in the middle of the act and he fled, but left behind some DNA on her bed.
Through advancements in DNA technology, investigators linked the DNA to Avis. State officials said they tracked the genetics through his family tree and eventually brought him in for questioning. They swabbed him for DNA, which they say matched what was left at the scene.
“No matter how long ago a crime occurred, we are committed to ensuring those who break the law are held accountable,” said Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck in a statement. “I want to recognize the outstanding job by all law enforcement officers involved in the review and reinvestigation of this case. Their persistence in the search for justice reflects the very best of our law enforcement profession.”
New Jersey State Police believe there could be additional victims, and ask anyone with information to call:
- Detective Sergeant John Glasser of the Brigantine Police Department at 609-266-7600 ext. 276
- Sergeant First Class Joseph Itri of the New Jersey State Police Cold Case Unit at 833-4NJ-COLD (833-465-2653)
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