2004 Media Releases:

CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
VINCENT P. SARUBBI, CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
MEDIA   INFORMATION

May 17, 2004

Camden County Prosecutor Vincent P. Sarubbi and Waterford Police Chief John Bekisz reported that Christopher Kornberger, M/19, was charged today in connection with alleged attacks on women in Waterford, N.J., on Feb. 2, 2003, and March 29, 2003.

Kornberger, of the 100 block of Mill Road in Evesham, is charged with Attempted Sexual Assault and related offenses. Presiding Criminal Division Judge Linda Baxter of state Superior Court in Camden set bail at $500,000. Judge Baxter required that the bail be posted in cash only, not by bond or other means, invoking a recently passed state law allowing cash-only bail if a defendant is charged with certain other crimes, including Murder and Attempted Murder.

Kornberger is being held in Burlington County in lieu of $1.3 million on Murder and Attempted Murder charges. The Camden County Prosecutor's Office will file a "detainer" with the Burlington County Correctional Facility, requiring that the defendant be held on the Waterford charges in the event he posts bail on the Burlington County charges.

It is alleged that on Feb. 2, 2003, at approximately 7:45 p.m., the defendant assaulted a 37-year-old female in her driveway in the 600 block of Blueberry Drive. Kornberger allegedly approached the woman from behind while she was removing items from her vehicle, grabbed her arm and attempted to pull her away from her residence. A criminal complaint alleges that Kornberger was armed with a sharp object during the assault. The victim fought off her attacker, punching him in the face, and called to alert her husband, who came out of the house and chased the assailant down Blueberry Drive.

Kornberger allegedly ran a few blocks to where he had parked a vehicle and drove off. In connection with this incident, the defendant is charged with Attempted Kidnapping and Attempted Aggravated Sexual Assault, each carrying a maximum 10-year State Prison term upon conviction.

It is further alleged that on March 29, 2003, at approximately 5:30 a.m., Kornberger attacked a 38-year-old female while she was walking in the 2400 block of Hopewell Road in Waterford. Kornberger was allegedly walking along the road toward the victim, and, as he passed her, struck the victim in the head repeatedly with a tire iron, knocking her to the ground, pushed her off the roadway and attempted to sexually assault her. It is further alleged that Kornberger took an envelope containing $80 from the victim.

The victim broke free and ran to a nearby residence for help. Kornberger then allegedly ran away down Joyce Lane. The victim was treated for head injuries at Virtua-West Jersey Hospital, Berlin, and was released. In connection with this incident, the defendant is charged with Kidnapping, carrying a maximum 30-year State Prison term upon conviction, Robbery, carrying a maximum of 20 years, and Attempted Aggravated Sexual Assault, carrying a maximum 10 years.

All persons charged with criminal offenses are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.