27-Year-Old Somerset Man Will Remain Jailed Following Being Charged Last Week With Sexual Extortion Of A Boy

Saturday, August 10, 2024, 2:40 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

CINNAMINSON, NJ.- On Friday, a 27-year-old Somerset, New Jersey man learned that he will remain detained pending trial after he was taken into custody and charged on Friday, August 2, 2024, in connection with engaging an underage boy he met online in a sexual conversation and convincing the boy to accept electronic gift cards exchange for the boy to send naked photos and videos of himself.

     According to Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw, Sebastian Romero, 27, of Somerset, New Jersey, has been formally charged with first-degree Production of Child Pornography; second-degree Impairing and or Debauching the Morals of a Child; second-degree Aggravated Sexual Extortion; second-degree Luring; third-degree Possession of Child Pornography; and third-degree Obscenity to a Minor.

     The charges stem from an investigation that began in July 2024 after the boy’s family contacted the Cinnaminson Township Police Department after learning of the explicit contact Romero had with their son. 

     A joint investigation was launched into the allegation. During a swift-moving investigation by Detectives of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and the Cinnaminson Township Police Department uncovered that Romero initially contacted the boy in a chat room of an online gaming platform. Further investigation revealed that Romero was aware of the boy’s age and obtained personal information about the boy before offering to purchase nude photos and videos.

     Furthermore, Romero had arranged to meet the boy for a sexual encounter. After the boy failed to show up at the arranged meeting, Romero began making threatening statements toward the boy’s family.

     On Friday, August 2, 2024, following the execution of a court-authorized search warrant at Romero’s Somerset, New Jersey residence, he was taken into custody. During the search, Detectives seized electronic devices and other items linking Romero to the crimes.

     After being arrested, Romero was transported to the Burlington County Jail, where he was processed on the charges. On Friday, August 9, 2024, Romero appeared in Burlington County Superior Court, and a Superior Court Judge ordered Romero to be detained pending trial.

     The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office will submit the charges to Grand Jury for possible indictment.

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”