Erma Man Charged With Sexual Assault of Minor

ERMA, NEW JERSEY  — A 52-year-old Erma man was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a minor following an investigation by Cape May County law enforcement. Eric Hazel, who lives on Lenape Drive, was taken into custody June 17 and faces first-degree aggravated sexual assault and second-degree child endangerment charges. He remains held at the Cape May County Correctional Center awaiting court proceedings. Because the victim is under 13, Hazel faces a mandatory sentence of 25 years to life without parole under the Jessica Lunsford Act, which imposes stricter penalties for crimes involving young children. Authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at 609-465-1135. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at cmcpo.tips or through the Cape May County Sheriff’s Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net by clicking on “anonymous tip.”