Bars from a prison jail cast a shadow on the floro.

TRENTON, NJ – A Burlington County man faces serious charges after allegedly attempting to arrange a sexual encounter with a 12-year-old girl, who turned out to be an undercover police officer, authorities announced Wednesday.

Robert R. Lockwood, 36, of Browns Mills, was charged with first-degree conspiracy to commit human trafficking of a minor, along with second-degree counts of attempted aggravated sexual assault, luring, and attempted endangering the welfare of a child, according to Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ).

The case began on April 7, when an undercover officer, posing as a mother with a 12-year-old daughter, was contacted by Lockwood on a mobile dating app. During text exchanges, Lockwood allegedly expressed interest in “taboo sex,” specifically mentioning “daddy daughter” and “uncle niece” scenarios.

Despite being told the girl was 12, he reportedly requested photos and, over the next month, repeatedly pushed to meet the mother and daughter to engage in sexual acts.

Authorities say Lockwood sent photos of himself and arranged to meet at a Westampton Township hotel on May 14, 2025, where he planned to assault the child while the mother watched. Upon arrival, he was arrested and taken into custody.

“This case exposes a chilling attempt to exploit a child,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Our office is committed to stopping predators and protecting New Jersey’s children through relentless investigations and prosecutions.”

DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton emphasized the severity of the charges, stating, “Anyone targeting a child will face the full force of the law.” Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, called the charges a stark reminder of the “depraved side of human trafficking” that preys on the vulnerable.

Lockwood faces 10 to 20 years in prison and a $200,000 fine for the first-degree charge, and five to 10 years with a $150,000 fine for each second-degree charge. The case is being prosecuted by DCJ Deputy Attorney General Rob Guarni, under the supervision of Deputy Attorneys General Lisa Rastelli, Laura Magnone, and DCJ Deputy Director Jillian Carpenter.

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