MOUNT HOLLY, N.J., Sept. 21 -- A member of the popular urban psychedelic rock group PM Dawn has been charged with having consensual sex with a 14-year-old female cousin in New Jersey, authorities said Thursday. Jarett Cordes, 24, of Jersey City, N.J., was charged with aggravated sexual assault and child abuse and released on $10,000 cash bail.
Cordes and his brother, Attrell Cordes, make up the group PM Dawn, whose current hit, 'Downtown Venus,' appears on their new album, 'Jesus Wept,' due for release next month. Authorities said beginning in June, Cordes had sexual intercourse with his cousin on several occasions at her home in Burlington County and at his apartment in Jersey City. 'Cordes has known the victim all his life but he hadn't had much contact with her until early June, when he visited her at her mother's house,' Burlington County Prosecutor Stephen Raymond said. Raymond said the relationship began with 'flirtatious talks' and quickly developed into a sexual relationship. He said a 'fondling incident' occurred over the July 4 weekend at his brother's penthouse in Jersey City. Earlier this month the girl's mother learned of the relationship and confronted Cordes on Sept. 11, Raymond said. She contacted police the next day. Under the terms of his bail, Cordez is free to leave the state and tour with his group but he not permitted to have any contact with his cousin, Raymond said.
