Ocean County Man Charged with Human Trafficking in Attempt to Lure Underage Girls for Sex
TRENTON – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), and the New Jersey State Police announced today that an Ocean County man has been charged with human trafficking and other related crimes for allegedly attempting to lure what he believed were young children for sexual activity.
Daniel J. Dagostino, 39, of Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with two counts of human trafficking (1st degree and 2nd degree), two counts of attempting to engage in sex with a child who was less than 13 years old (2nd degree), attempting to lure a child for sex (2nd degree) and two counts of attempting to debauch the morals of a child (3rd degree),
“Crimes against children are especially heinous, and the defendant in this case is charged with using the internet to prey upon children,” Attorney General Platkin said. “He allegedly believed he was arranging to have sex with children ages 8 and 10. This kind of predatory online behavior will not be tolerated. The defendant now faces serious charges for his alleged actions.”
“As internet use increases, we have to be especially aware of the dangers that our families face,” DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton said. “The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force exists to find and prevent exactly this kind of criminal activity. We can never be too vigilant in our work to stop these crimes.”
“Human trafficking, especially when it involves the exploitation of children, is one of the most disturbing and heinous crimes imaginable,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “The allegations in this case are horrific and underscore the critical need for vigilance in protecting our most vulnerable. The New Jersey State Police remains steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding our communities and, through these strong collaborations with our law enforcement partners, we will ensure that those who seek to harm children are held accountable.”
Every criminal must be punished and every innocent must get justice.
Contact New Jersey criminal defence lawyer Joel Silberman to schedule a free legal consultation to fight for your right to justice. Call 201-420-1913 today.
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