TOMS RIVER, NJ – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced the arrest of Spencer Caudle, a 34-year-old resident of Prairieville, Louisiana, on charges of Sexual Assault, Attempted Sexual Assault, Luring and Enticing of a Child, and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
The arrest came as a result of an investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau.
The investigation revealed that on May 27, 2023, Caudle traveled from Louisiana to the Toms River area and engaged in sexual contact with a 14-year-old victim. It was determined that Caudle had been communicating with the victim through the Whisper messenger application. Further investigation uncovered Caudle’s plan to return to the area for additional sexual contact with the victim.
On June 16, Caudle flew from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Newark Liberty International Airport. Upon his arrival, he was taken into custody by detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, along with members of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department.
Following his arrest, Caudle was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is currently being held pending a detention hearing.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office emphasizes its commitment to protecting the community, particularly vulnerable individuals such as children. This arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in monitoring online activities and ensuring the safety of children in the digital realm. The cooperation between law enforcement agencies in different jurisdictions was instrumental in apprehending the suspect and bringing him to justice.