ELIZABETH, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- A New Jersey landlord was indicted for sexual crimes against dozens of victims over several years, authorities announced on Thursday.
Joseph Centanni, 75, who was arrested in June 2021, was indicted last Thursday for committing sexual offenses against 30 tenants over a number of years.
Centanni owned hundreds of rental units in 18 residential properties across Elizabeth, officials said.
The 42 count indictment charged Centanni with 23 counts of second-degree
sexual assault and 19 counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact.
The alleged crimes took place at various times from 2013 to 2020, with both male and female victims ranging in age from 22 to 61.
A long-term investigation revealed that Centanni targeted tenants or prospective tenants who were homeless, about to be evicted, or otherwise struggling financially, according to Special Victims Unit Supervisor and Assistant Prosecutor Caroline Lawlor, who is prosecuting the case.
Centanni allegedly solicited sex acts from his victims as a quid pro quo, and agreed to offer them rent reductions, a delay in an eviction, or other forms of financial assistance in exchange.
He also reportedly threatened tenants who hesitated or refused his advances with eviction or other retaliatory measures, officials said.
Centanni remains free on court-ordered pretrial monitoring pending the outcome of his case.
If convicted on second-degree crimes, Centanni faces 5 to 10 years in state prison on each count and up to 18 months in prison for the fourth-degree crimes.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about this
matter is still urged to contact Union County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Joanne Son at (908) 477-1698.
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