A 34-year-old Newark Board of Education security guard was arrested on Thursday for trying to lure a 13-year-old girl for sexual activity in North Bergen, police said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
At approximately 11 p.m. on Thursday, North Bergen police responded to a residential complex after receiving a report regarding an individual who had arrived to meet a juvenile, the department said in a statement.
Officers were provided with electronic communications and other digital evidence indicating that Jeffrey B. Sanders, 34, of Newark, had communicated with an individual who was posing as a 13-year-old girl for several weeks before traveling to North Bergen for a sexual encounter.
The suspect allegedly communicated with the individual for several weeks through social media and messaging applications before traveling to North Bergen to meet for a sexual encounter.
During the investigation, he admitted to sending sexually explicit images and videos and informed investigators that he was employed as a security guard for the Newark Board of Education assigned to an elementary school.
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As a result, Sanders was charged with multiple offenses including luring or enticing a child, attempted sexual assault, and endangering the welfare of a child.⠀
“Protecting children from those who seek to exploit them remains one of our highest priorities. The professionalism and swift action of our officers and detectives prevented what could have been a tragic situation,” Police Chief Robert Farley said in a statement.
“I comment everyone involved for their dedication to safeguarding our community.”
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This investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with any information is urged to contact the North Bergen Police Department at (201) 392-2141.
Anonymous tips may also be submitted via email at tips@northbergenpd.com.
