North jersey man arrested for allegedly seeking sexual encounter with young boy down the shore
Prison fence. Grid fence with barbed wire against sunset. Barbed wire. Security measures for prisoners in prison.

North Jersey Man Arrested for Allegedly Seeking Sexual Encounter with Young Boy Down the Shore

by
September 19, 2024

Freehold, NJ – An Essex County resident has been arrested on charges of seeking a sexual encounter with an underage boy, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago reported on Thursday.

Jonar I. Arenas, 48, from Bloomfield, is facing charges including second-degree Luring, second-degree Attempted Sexual Assault of a Minor, and third-degree Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

The investigation began in August, led by a detective from the High Tech Bureau of the Prosecutor’s Office who was working undercover on a social media app.

During the investigation, Arenas contacted the detective on the app, believing the detective to be a 14-year-old boy. Following discussions via the app and other communication methods, Arenas arranged to meet for what he thought would be a sexual encounter with the minor.

On Wednesday, Arenas was apprehended in Freehold Borough and taken to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution. He remains in custody pending court proceedings at Monmouth County Superior Court.

The Prosecutor’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Detective Anthony Lacher 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.