Over the last half of decade or so, law enforcement throughout the State, including in Mercer County has been aggressively investigating those seeking inappropriate relationships with children. The internet, more specifically, social media websites have become a major focus of law enforcement over the years. Mercer County Prosecutor, Angelo Onofri, stated this week that “we will aggressively pursue and prosecute those predators that attempt to exploit and harm the most innocent of victims”. This was evident this week, when they arrested and charged a Bordentown man with various sex offenses, including luring, stemming from a series of emails between the Defendant and who he thought was a fourteen (14) year old boy from Robbinsville. If you have been charged with a sex related offenses like luring, possession of child pornography, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal sexual contact or sexual assault in Mercer County, we strongly urge that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Understanding your options, especially when it comes to being interrogated is absolutely crucial. If you would like to speak to one of the criminal defense lawyers at Keith Oliver Criminal Law today, then please contact our Hamilton office at 609-789-0779.
Attempted Luring and Sexual Assault Charges in NJ
According to nj.com, a fifty-five year old male from Bordentown was arrested this week following what appears to be a sting operation, that focused on would be child predators. Authorities have announced that have arrested and charged the Defendant with attempted luring and attempted sexual assault following investigation that began back in July. During the investigation, it is alleged that the Defendant sent countless emails to the whom he thought was a fourteen year old boy but who in actuality was an undercover officer. Apparently, following months of emails and solicitations on behalf of the Defendant to meet up, the detectives finally set up a sting operation. At the Defendant’s request, the undercover detective met up with him at a local park, where they then agreed to go to a secluded section of the park in order to engage in sexual conduct. It was at this point that the detectives announced who they were and placed the Defendant under arrest.
He was formally charged with attempted luring and attempted sexual assault Both of these charges are considered second degree felony offense. If convicted, the Defendant faces up to a decade behind bars on each count and will be subject to Megan’s Law and Parole Supervision for life. He was taken to the Mercer County Jail and the prosecutor’s office formally filed for detention. That means that the prosecution will be seeking to detain the Defendant in the county jail, pending trial, without bail.
