Sebastian Romero, 27, was arrested Friday, Aug. 2, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia Bradshaw said in a news release. The investigation began after the boy’s family contacted Cinnaminson Township police in July.
Investigators said Romero met the boy online through an online gaming platform’s chatroom and knew the boy was underage. He solicited personal information about the boy and then offered to pay him with electronic gift cards in exchange for nude photos and videos.
Investigators also said Romero arranged to meet the boy for a sexual act. Romero threatened the victim’s family after he failed to show up for the meeting.
Romero was arrested after police executed a search warrant on his home. Evidence seized included several electronic devices.
Romero was charged with first-degree manufacturing of child sexual abuse material, second-degree corrupting/perverting the morals of a child, second-degree enticement, second-degree aggravated sexual assault, third-degree possession of child sexual abuse material, and third-degree obscenity to a minor.
A judge denied Romero’s release from the Burlington County Jail during a detention hearing on Friday, August 9. Bradshaw also said the case will be presented to a grand jury for possible indictment.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Somerset County District Attorney’s Office and the Franklin Township (Somerset County) Police Department also assisted in the investigation.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Burlington and get free news updates.
