An area man, who is a convicted sex offender, was arrested on Friday and charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl over multiple months and photographing her on at least one occasion and faces up to 36.5 years in prison, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced.

Michael J. Gwiazdowski, 51, of Hazlet was charged with: two counts of second-degree sexual assault; one count of fourth-degree violating community supervision for life; one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child by engaging in sexual conduct; one count of first-degree causing or permitting a child to engage in child pornography; and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gwiazdowski is currently being held in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, Freehold, pending his initial court appearance.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office has moved for him to be detained as a result of these charges. His detention hearing is expected to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 30, before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Vincent Falcetano, J.S.C.

The case background … 

Gwiazdowski is a convicted sex offender and is currently on Community Supervision for Life as a result of that conviction. Investigators are seeking additional information about the man’s activities and looking to identify other possible victims.

If convicted of the first-degree causing or permitting a child to engage in child pornography charge, Gwiazdowski faces a sentence of up to 20 years in a New Jersey state prison.

If convicted of second-degree sexual assault charge, Gwiazdowski faces a sentence of five to 10 years in prison.

If convicted of the third-degree endangering the welfare of a child by engaging in sexual conduct charge, Gwiazdowski faces a sentence of three to five years in prison.

If convicted of the fourth-degree violating community supervision for life charge, Gwiazdowski faces up to 18 month in prison.

Anyone with information is asked to contact either Detective Michael Tristao of the Hazlet Township Police Department at 732-264-6565, ext. 125, or Detective Michael Acquaviva of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-431-7160, ext. 2233.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line by calling 1-800-671-4400; can text “MONMOUTH” plus their tip to 274637; or, they can email a tip via the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.  Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of criminals and fugitives.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Lavender.

— Edited press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office