Atlantic City lifeguard charged with attempting to lure person he believed was 15-year-old girl
Prosecutors say the suspect arranged to meet the girl, who was actually an undercover detective, for sex in exchange for money.
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An Atlantic City lifeguard has been charged after prosecutors say he attempted to meet a person he believed was a 15-year-old girl for sex after communicating online with an undercover detective.
Stephen M. Pagnoni, 38, of Egg Harbor Township, is charged with attempted manufacturing of child sexual abuse material, attempting to lure a child, attempted sexual assault of a minor, attempted prostitution with a minor and attempted sending obscene material to a minor.
According to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office, Pagnoni began communicating online July 28 with someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl. Investigators said the person was actually an undercover detective with the prosecutor's office High Tech Crimes Unit.
Authorities say Pagnoni arranged to meet the girl at a park in Cherry Hill to engage in sexual activity in exchange for money. He was arrested after arriving at the meeting location by members of the Cherry Hill Police Department and the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.
Pagnoni was taken to the Camden County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing. Prosecutors said he has worked as a lifeguard with the Atlantic City Beach Patrol for about 20 years and has been suspended from his position.
He also faces two counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child and two disorderly persons counts of engaging in prostitution.
