09/07/2026
****PRESS RELEASE - Home Invasion Burglary and Kidnapping Arrest ****
On Saturday, September 5, 2026, at approximately 0251 hours Washington Township Police Department received a report of a missing six-year-old child in Washington Borough. Police immediately responded. Initial investigation while on scene determined the child to be a victim of a kidnapping from her home. Approximately one hour later, police located the juvenile as she was returning home on foot. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
A coordinated, multi-agency investigation continued for 36-hours, resulting in the arrest of Lester Noe Perez-Amador within the first 24 hours. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that Perez-Amador was known to the victim. Perez-Amador was charged on a Complaint Warrant with the below offenses:
1) Home Invasion Burglary, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2.1, a crime of the first degree; and
2) Kidnapping, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1(b)(2), a crime of the first degree.
Perez-Amador is lodged in the Warren County Correctional Center pending his first appearance in Warren County Superior Court. First degree Kidnapping carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with 25 years of parole ineligibility. First degree Home Invasion Burglary carries a maximum sentence of 20 years New Jersey State Prison pursuant to the No Early Release Act.
The charges are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This investigation is still ongoing and being conducted by the Washington Township Police Department, Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police, Greenwich Township Police Department, Mansfield Township Police Department and FBI – Newark Field Office.
Should any members of the public have information or surveillance videos with suspicious activity please submit tips to the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office Web Tipline at https://www.wcpo-nj.us/tips.
