Retired DEA agent accused in sex assault of teen

Authorities in Essex County have charged a former Drug Enforcement Agency agent with sexually abusing a developmentally delayed teenage girl.
Thomas Sheehan of Nutley was arrested yesterday. The 71-year-old is charged with sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated assault.
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office says Sheehan abused the girl from the time she was 12 years old. The most recent instance of abuse allegedly occurred last month. The girl is now 17.