Prosecutor: Man offered girl candy, wine cooler in exchange for inappropriate contact

A Barnegat man is facing charges for the attempted sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato announced in a news release Monday.
Jesse Christiansen, 35, is charged with attempted sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
According to the news release, Christiansen is accused of offering the victim candy and a wine cooler in exchange for her to lift her shirt and allow him to touch her in an inappropriate manner. The girl did not comply and reported Christiansen’s actions to her mother who then called police.
Coronato said Christiansen was arrested last Thursday and is being held on the charges in connection with the alleged attempted assault and an outstanding warrant for shoplifting.