Man accused of cross-country kidnapping pleads not guilty
James Parrillo is accused of keeping a woman captive for nearly a year.
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A man accused of kidnapping a woman from New Mexico and bringing her to New Jersey pleaded not guilty on Tuesday.
James Parrillo is accused of keeping a woman captive for nearly a year. She was eventually able to escape from a home in Bass River Township in February.
Parrillo was arrested on Feb. 7.
Surveillance video shows the moments the victim escaped and made her way inside a gas station in town. Parrillo is allegedly seen trying to get inside the business, but an employee appears to hold the door closed.
Parrillo was initially charged with kidnapping, aggravated assault, hindering apprehension and criminal restraint. He is additionally facing charges of sexual assault, criminal coercion and theft by extortion.
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Officials say that the victim initially met Parrillo at a gas station in New Mexico and agreed to give him a ride in Arizona. She told authorities that she was in a voluntary relationship with Parrillo for about three weeks until he physically assaulted her while they were in California.
Officials say that “Parrillo allegedly sexually assaulted the woman on different occasions during the time she was with him and used threats of bodily injury to restrict her freedom.”
The pair eventually made their way to New Jersey and stayed in a rented room in Bass River Township. The victim was able to escape and made her way to a nearby gas station.
Parrillo was arrested after state troopers found him walking along County Road 542.
Officials say that it is possible that “Parrillo may have engaged in similar predatory conduct with individuals in other states.” Anyone who might have information about Parrillo is asked to call the New Jersey State Police hotline at 855-363-6548.
