A 60‑year‑old Pleasantville resident faces an 18‑year prison term after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting 11 children, prosecutors said on Monday, December 1, 2025. The sentencing, carried out by Judge Donna M. Taylor, J.S.C., will see the defendant serve every day of the term with no possibility of parole. The case, which began with a 2023 investigation, has drawn attention to a long history of sexual misconduct and failures to register as a sex offender.
The Investigation
In October 2023, prosecutors in the Atlantic County Special Victims Unit received a report alleging that Jose Castro‑Vega had engaged in sexual conduct with a child. An internal inquiry uncovered that the man had been involved with at least eight children dating back to 2021. He was arrested the following day and charged with first‑degree aggravated sexual assault, second‑degree sexual assault, and fourth‑degree criminal sexual contact.
After a press release, three additional victims stepped forward, bringing the confirmed total to 11. Prosecutors added charges for these new victims in November 2023, expanding the scope of the case to encompass the full range of alleged abuses.
Past Offenses and Registration Failures
Castro‑Vega’s criminal record predates the 2023 allegations. In 1992, he was convicted of a sexual assault of a minor and was subsequently listed on New Jersey’s Megan’s Law registry, a requirement that obliges sex offenders to register in any jurisdiction where they reside. The man was released from prison in 1998 and moved out of state multiple times, but he failed to register as required. In 2023, he faced a third‑degree charge for this failure to register.
Plea and Admission of Guilt
During a plea hearing in July 2025, Castro‑Vega admitted to sexually assaulting seven of the eleven victims and to having inappropriate sexual contact with four of them. The guilty plea was entered on all counts, and the court accepted the admission as part of the sentencing decision.
Sentencing and Future Obligations
Judge Taylor sentenced the defendant to an aggregate term of 18 years in New Jersey State Prison. The sentence is to be served consecutively, with no eligibility for parole. Prosecutors emphasized that, upon release, Castro‑Vega will be “subject to Megan’s Law registration and be placed on parole supervision for life.”
Resources for Victims
The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office has highlighted that victims of sexual assault can seek assistance through the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800‑656‑4673. These resources offer counseling, legal guidance, and support services for survivors.
Key Takeaways
- Jose Castro‑Vega, 60, was sentenced to 18 years for sexually assaulting 11 children.
- The case stemmed from an October 2023 investigation that uncovered eight prior victims.
- Castro‑Vega has a prior 1992 conviction and failed to register as a sex offender after release in 1998.
- He pled guilty in July 2025, admitting assault of seven victims and contact with four.
- Upon release, he will remain on Megan’s Law and be subject to lifelong parole supervision.
The sentencing marks a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims and underscores the importance of compliance with sex‑offender registration laws. The case serves as a reminder that past offenses can resurface to hold offenders accountable for their actions.
