COLLINGSWOOD, N.J. (AP) -- A professional magician who performs in South Jersey faces charges that he sexually assaulted a child over a 10-year period, authorities said.
Jeffrey Leach, 45, who performs under the name Ron Geoffries, faces charges of sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated criminal sexual contact, said Acting Camden County Prosecutor Josh Ottenberg.
Leach is being treated in an out-of-state hospital for an undisclosed medical condition, and has not been served with the charges, the prosecutor said.
"Technically he is a wanted person in that we have not served the charges on him yet,'' Ottenberg. "But we have every expectation that when he is released from the hospital, he will return to New Jersey and face the charges.''
Leach was charged with a separate sexual assault and child endangerment on Sept. 18 in Ocean County and made bail on those charges, the prosecutor said.
When news of his arrest circulated, the Collingswood victim came forward and contacted police. She was approximately 9 years old when the alleged sexual assaults began in 1995.
Leach's attorney, Joel Korin, declined to comment. He also would not say why or where Leach is hospitalized.
Money Markets and More for Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Snow in Washington, D.C., puts some testimony of interest to Wall Street on hold. Staying connected can cost you; many consumers are spending a bundle on electronics. Did e-tailers get a boost from holiday shoppers?
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