ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – Four men were charged for luring children after citizens posing as children online provide Atlantic City police officers screenshots of conversations they had with children.
In a growing trend across the country, vigilante-style groups are engaging with adults online while they pose as young children on websites known as havens for child predators.
Since July 22, 2021, the Atlantic City Police Department has arrested four men for attempting to lure a minor with assistance from concerned citizens. The concerned citizens were engaged in posing as underage children on various social media sites.
They would confront the individual and notify local law enforcement. The citizens provided the responding officers with screen shots of conversations and detailed information that was shared between the citizens and the suspects.
Following an investigation by detectives of the Criminal Investigations Section, each individual was arrested and criminally charged.
ARRESTED: Jose Machuca, 51, of Hyattsville, MD.CHARGES: Luring/enticing a child by various means.
ARRESTED: Sambatrimiaina Raminoson,26, of Atlantic City. CHARGES: Luring/enticing a child by various means.
ARRESTED: Eugene Pulley, 49, of Philadelphia, PA. CHARGES: Luring/enticing a child by various means.
ARRESTED: Clifford Horn, 54, of Chalfont, PA. CHARGES: Luring/enticing a child by various means.
All four were released on a summons with a future court date. Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.