FREEHOLD – A Chatsworth man has been arrested and charged with seeking a sexual encounter with an underage girl, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Friday.
Hazleton Newman, 31, is charged with second-degree Luring, third-degree Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child and fourth-degree Attempted Sexual Assault of a Minor.
An investigation revealed that Newman was attempting to set up a sexual encounter with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl via electronic platforms and other forms of communication. The investigation was a joint effort by members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Computer Crimes Unit and Special Victims Bureau, along with members of the Monmouth County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The Prosecutor’s Office would also like to thank Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, Pemberton Township Police and the New Jersey State Police Red Lion Station for their assistance.
Newman remains detained in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI), after being remanded by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Paul X. Escandon during a hearing on Wednesday January 25, 2023.
Investigators are seeking additional information about Newman’s activities. Anyone with information can contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Anthony Lacher at 800-533-7443.
Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com
Convictions on charges of this nature are commonly punishable by terms of 5 to 10 years in state prison, along with being subject to the provisions of Megan’s Law registration and Parole Supervision for Life.
This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Competello.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
