December 9, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Deputy Chief William Schievella and Montville Township Police Chief Richard Cook announce the arrest of Danielle N. Hardin, age 29, of Montville Township, on one count of Second Degree Aggravated Assault, one count of Second Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child and one count of Third Degree Witness Tampering.

On December 7, 2007 at approximately 8:44 P.M. a 9-1-1 call was received by the Montville Township Police Department reporting a dispute at a Montville Township residence.

Patrol Officer Frank Cooney and Patrol Officer Keith Donnelly of the Montville Township Police Department responded to the call.

As a result of the investigation at the scene, the defendant Danielle N. Hardin was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault on a 6 year old female.

The victim was transported to Morristown Memorial Hospital to undergo treatment for injuries which were allegedly sustained as a result of this incident.

A subsequent investigation conducted by Detective/Lieutenant Roger Atkinson and Detective Christopher Keezer of the Montville Township Police Department along with Detective Kristi Allegretta of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office as well as members of the Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Section led to the defendant additionally being charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Witness Tampering.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "The prompt and professional efforts of the Montville Township Police Department and the inter-agency partnerships with the Morris County Prosecutor's Office and the Morris County Sheriff's Office allowed this tragic case to be quickly investigated with the defendant being lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility."

Danielle N. Hardin was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $125,000, no 10% cash, bond or property by Montville Municipal Court Judge Seth Davenport.

Despite these pending charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt following a jury trial at which the defendant has all of his rights guaranteed by the U.S. and New Jersey Constitutions and relevant state law.

If anyone has any further information they are encouraged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200 or the Montville Township Police Department at 973-257-4300 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office CrimeStoppers Program at 973-COP-CALL (973-267-2255).

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio