Ocean County Man Arrested in South Jersey Child Sex Case

• Pleasantville police apprehend a 66-year-old man before a planned encounter; authorities said it was not the first time

An Ocean County man is in trouble with the law for allegedly traveling to South Jersey late last week to have sex with a juvenile.

Arrest in Pleasantville

On Friday, 66-year-old James Hadley of Barnegat was arrested on charges of second-degree sexual assault of a victim under the age of 16, second-degree luring a minor to commit a sexual act, third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and fourth-degree criminal sexual contact based on at least three alleged incidents this month.

According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, this past Friday, Hadley travelled from Ocean County to Pleasantville to meet a juvenile to engage in a sexual act.

Upon his arrival at a predetermined destination, he was arrested by detectives from the Pleasantville Police Department and the prosecutor's office before he could meet with the child.

• MORE NEWS: Juvenile Facing Charges in Ocean County, NJ, Robbery

Alleged Prior Incidents with Victim

An investigation revealed that Hadley had previously met the child at least two other times to engage in sex acts that he paid the child to perform, per authorities.

The Prosecutor's Office has filed a motion for pre-trial detention, which is tentatively scheduled for this week.

Help Investigators

This case remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call (609) 909-7800.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Chris Coleman, a South Jersey native, is the brand manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 FM and afternoon on-air personality on WPUR Cat Country 107.3 in Atlantic City, NJ. He joined the station in February 1998 and covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey for Townsquare Media. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com