LAKEWOOD, NJ – The Lakewood Police Department would like to announce, after an almost two week long investigation, that an arrest has been made in connection with a March 31, 2021, attempted luring of a 16-year-old girl.
Police said that on that day, an unidentified man attempted to lure a 16-year-old girl into his vehicle for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts while in the Highpoint Condominium Complex.
“The victim, who was not only smart enough to refuse his advances, thought quickly enough to surreptitiously record the suspect on her phone as he became more and more insistent that she gives in to his demands,” police said.
At the time the incident was reported his identity was unknown, however, with the help of a concerned citizen, he was identified as 40-year-old Julio Anchia of Lakewood on Thursday afternoon.
Det. Patrick Kearns immediately acted on the new information and attempt to locate Anchia at his home, but he had already fled the area. After several additional leads regarding his whereabouts were exhausted, criminal charges were approved by the Ocean County Prosecutors Office and notification was made statewide in hope that another law enforcement agency may have some information or apprehend him.
Earlier on Sunday, Anchia turned himself in. He was arrested and served with his charges of 2nd Degree Attempted Luring, 2nd Attempted Sexual Assault and 3rd Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail.
