Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 5, 2023, Ronald Yaniak, 56, of Little Egg Harbor Township, was charged with Criminal Sexual Contact in connection with an incident that occurred in Tuckerton on March 4, 2023.

On March 4, 2023, the Borough of Tuckerton Police Department received a 911 call from a female stating that she was touched inappropriately by an Uber driver while she was utilizing the ride-sharing service. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit and the Borough of Tuckerton Police Department determined that the victim and three fellow passengers called for an Uber ride from Barnegat to Tuckerton. During the ride, the Uber driver inappropriately touched the victim – who was seated in the front passenger seat of the vehicle.

Further investigation revealed that Yaniak was the driver of the subject vehicle and that he did, in fact, touch the victim inappropriately. On March 5, 2023, Yaniak was charged with Criminal Sexual Contact at the Tuckerton Police Department, processed, and released on a summons pending a future appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit and Borough of Tuckerton Police Department for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).