Jersey City man arrested after sending explicit messages to juvenile
Jersey City, NJ – A Jersey City man was taken into custody Tuesday after investigators linked him to explicit online messages sent to a juvenile through a social media platform, according to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.
Stanley Ruiz, 40, was arrested at his residence following an investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Prosecutors said the case began in March, when authorities received information that an adult male had sent explicit messages and images to a female juvenile using the application Discord. The victim, who lives outside the United States, repeatedly identified herself as a juvenile during the exchanges.
Ruiz was charged with third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Lewdness, a disorderly persons offense. After his arrest, he was transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility, where he is being held pending his first court appearance.
The investigation involved coordination between local, federal, and international law enforcement partners. Officials noted that the charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- A Jersey City man was arrested following an online child exploitation investigation
- Prosecutors say explicit messages and images were sent to a juvenile through Discord
- The suspect faces child endangerment and lewdness charges and is being held in county jail