Hazlet man charged with sexual misconduct in middletown store incident

Hazlet man charged with sexual misconduct in Middletown store incident

by
December 7, 2024

FREEHOLD, N.J. — A 21-year-old man from Hazlet has been arrested and charged with stalking, lewdness, and sexual contact after allegedly following a woman around a Middletown store last month and engaging in inappropriate behavior, authorities announced Friday.

Perry J. Mangano is accused of approaching an adult female shopper at the At Home store on State Route 35 North shortly before 7:30 p.m. on November 22, according to an investigation conducted by the Middletown Township Police Department. Officials say Mangano exposed himself in the victim’s presence and made physical contact with her in a criminal manner.

Mangano has been charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, fourth-degree lewdness, and fourth-degree stalking. The investigation was led by the Middletown Township Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

Authorities have not disclosed further details about the incident but are urging anyone with additional information to contact Middletown Township Police Detective First Class Darrin Simon at (732) 615-2120 or Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Kayla Santiago at (800) 533-7443.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.