WEST DEPTFORD MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED SEX CRIMES FOR TRYING TO LURE A TEEN FOR SEX
" Todd Merinuk Was Arrested By Mercer County Authorities In Internet Crimes Against Children Sting."
Tuesday, March 21, 2023, 3:15 P.M. ET. By George Petruska: Englebrook Independent News,
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TRENTON, NJ.- Today, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported that following an investigation into Online Child Exploitation, a 27-Year-Old Gloucester County, New Jersey man has been Arrested and Charged with Multiple Attempted Sex Crimes.
Todd Merinuk, 27, of West Deptford Township, New Jersey has been Charged with Two Counts of Second Degree Attempted Sexual Assault; Three Counts of Third Degree Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child; and One Count of Second Degree Attempted Luring. Mr. Merinuk was Processed on the Offenses and Remanded to The Mercer County Correctional Facility. The Mercer County Prosecutor's Office has Filed a PreTrial Detention Motion to Have Mr. Merinuk Detained pending the outcome of the Charges Against him.
Three weeks ago, Detectives with The Prosecutor's Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit were investigating individuals trying to Exploit Children Online. Detectives connected with an individual, via an anonymous Social Media Platform. The individual, later identified as Mr. Merinuk, began Chatting with a Detective who was Posing as a 14-Year-Old Girl. The Chat included Multiple Sexually Explicit Messages, a Photo sent by Mr. Merinuk of an Adult Male Penis, and Statements by Mr. Merinuk that he wanted to meet in Person to Engage in Various Sexual Acts.
On Thursday, March 16, 2023, Mr. Merinuk Arranged and Sent a Ride Share Vehicle to an Address in Mercer County to Pick Up the 14-Year-Old Girl, with whom Mr. Merinuk believed he was Chatting in order to Bring Her to his Location in Gloucester County. Believing the Girl had arrived at his location via the Ride Share, Mr. Merinuk appeared and was immediately Taken into Custody, by Members of The Mercer County Prosecutor's Office, Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office, and Members of The United States Homeland Security Investigations.
If Convicted of Second Degree Offenses, Mr. Merinuk could face up to Five to Ten Years in New Jersey State Prison and a Fine of up to $150,000., and Third Degree Offenses carry a Sentence of Three to Five Years in Prison and a Fine of up to $15,000.
Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri urges anyone with information about suspected improper contact by unknown persons communicating with Children via the Internet or the possible Exploitation or Sexual Abuse of Children to please contact his Internet Crimes Against Children Unit at (609) 989-6568 or The New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at (888) 648-6007.
" The Rules Of The Court Require Us To Include A Statement, That States: The Charges Outlined In This Publication Are Merely Accusations And The Defendant And Or Defendants Are Presumed Innocent Unless And Until Proven Guilty Beyond Reasonable Doubt."
FILED UNDER MARCH 21, 2023: LAW, MERCER: