Retired police officer charged with sex assault of underage girl in New Jersey

MAPLE SHADE, N.J. (WPVI) -- A retired police officer living in Maple Shade, New Jersey, has been charged with the sex assault of an underage teen girl, prosecutors say.

Louis J. Baselice, 67, was charged with 2nd-degree sexual assault and 3rd-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

The Burlington County Prosecutor's Office said Friday that Baselice is a retired law enforcement officer who worked for the Haddonfield Police Department.

The abuse was reported by acquaintances of the victim, investigators said.

Baselice allegedly bought the girl an electric scooter and cell phone, among other items, and also gave her his credit card number so she could order food.

Prosecutors said additional details are being withheld to protect the identity of the victim.

Baselice was taken into custody Tuesday at the Maple Shade Police Department and is being held pending a detention hearing.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Prosecutor's Office at 609-265-5035 and ask to speak to a detective in the Special Victims Unit or send an email to tips@co.burlington.nj.us.