TOMS RIVER, NJ – A Mays Landing man who was caught up in Operation Open House in 2018 and arrested again in 2020 while out of jail due to bail reform has pleaded guilty to his 2018 luring charges. Richard Hoffman, a former firefighter, during the investigation, was found to have lured a second victim, plus was later found to have images of child pornography on his computer
According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced, on Monday, Richard Hoffman, 26, of Mays Landing, pled guilty before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C., to Luring in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:13-6, in connection with a series of events that that occurred in Toms River between September 4, 2018 and September 5, 2018. At the time of Hoffman’s sentencing on April 29, 2022, the State will be seeking a term of five years New Jersey State Prison. Hoffman will also be required to register as a Megan’s Law Offender and will be subject to Parole Supervision for Life.
Hoffman was arrested on September 5, 2018, as part of Operation Open House – a multi-agency undercover operation led by the New Jersey Department of Criminal Justice, New Jersey Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. This operation targeted men who were using the social media applications, Whisper and Kik, to attempt to lure underage females and males for sexual activity. Hoffman, who believed he was chatting with a fourteen-year-old female, arranged to meet the female at a residence in Toms River for purposes of engaging in sexual activity.
“In reality, Hoffman was chatting with an undercover detective from the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office. On September 5, 2018, Hoffman arrived at the prearranged location in Toms River, and was taken into custody,” the Ocean County Prosecutor’s office said.
He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, and later released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.