Overview
- Stephen M. Pagnoni, a 38-year-old lifeguard from Egg Harbor Township, is charged with first-degree attempted manufacturing of child sexual abuse material and several second- and third-degree counts tied to trying to lure and sexually exploit a minor.
- Pagnoni, who began online contact on Tuesday, July 28, is accused of arranging to meet what he believed was a 15-year-old for paid sexual activity but was actually an undercover detective with the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit.
- Cherry Hill police and prosecutor’s office agents arrested Pagnoni at a park when he arrived and he was remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.
- Atlantic City suspended Pagnoni from the Beach Patrol after about 20 years of service, and prosecutors have asked anyone with information to contact Sgt. John Cochran or submit tips to CAMDEN.TIPS.
- The case grew from a common undercover online sting used to catch people who seek minors, and the first-degree charge signals a particularly serious allegation that could carry substantial penalties if proven in court.