Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit and Special Victims Unit are currently investigating the authenticity of a video that was posted on YouTube on Sunday March 1st.
The video depicts an adult male seemingly attempting to solicit a 14 year-old for sexual relations, when in reality it was an adult posing as the minor.
Officials say this video was created by a private citizen with no law enforcement involvement.
This is an active and ongoing investigation.
Prosecutor Billhimer reminds the public that any investigation into criminal activity should be left to law enforcement professionals. “Investigations into alleged criminal activity must be conducted by trained law enforcement officials -- with the assistance of members of the public when and where appropriate.
Private citizens who take it upon themselves to investigate what they believe to be criminal conduct may compromise the potential investigation.
They can also find themselves in a very dangerous situation.
Please leave criminal investigations to the professionals,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.