‘Lack of credible evidence:’ 2nd prosecutor won't charge ex-state official of sex assault

A second New Jersey prosecutor's office says it won't charge a former state official accused of sexual assault by another worker in New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy's administration.

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s office cited "a lack of credible evidence” in its decision.

A spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday that after reviewing the case against Albert Alvarez, charges would not be filed against him.

Alvarez was accused by Katie Brennan of sexually assaulting her in 2017 when they were both working to get Murphy elected. Brennan was a volunteer at the time.

Her accusation became public when she told her story to the Wall Street Journal in October after saying she tried unsatisfactorily for months to get the Murphy administration to act.

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The administration's handling of the case led to a legislative probe. The governor said that he was never made aware of the accusations until the Wall Street Journal article.

Alvarez has denied wrongdoing, and resigned from his position.

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office originally investigated the case and also declined to file charges.

Prosecutor Esther Suarez issued a statement Wednesday that she reviewed the case file herself in October, 2018 and stood by the decision not to prosecute.

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“We at the HCPO hold sacred the protection of victims and victims’ rights. However, our pursuit of justice for victims of crimes must be balanced with our sworn duty to uphold the Constitution…including the presumption of innocence and the necessity of proof beyond a reasonable doubt,” Suarez said.

The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.