By: Yuritza Arroyo
A local man has been arrested and charged with promoting the prostitution of a teenager at a Tinton Falls motel, along with numerous additional crimes, Monmouth County officials announced Monday.
According to officials, Jerome L. Harbour, 41, is charged with first-degree Promoting Prostitution of a Child, third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child via Sexual Conduct, third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child via Non-Sexual Conduct, third-degree Hindering Apprehension, four third-degree narcotics offenses, fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact, and fourth-degree Obstruction of Justice.
Officials say, on Wednesday, November 16, members of the Tinton Falls Police Department received information that a 17-year-old female may be in crisis somewhere in the area of Eatontown or Tinton Falls.
Tinton Falls Police say, a subsequent search of the area led officers to a motel near the interchange of Route 18, Route 36, and the Garden State Parkway.
According to Police, when officers knocked on the door of the room where Harbour was staying, he denied any knowledge of the whereabouts of the teen in question, but moments later, she was found hidden in his room.
The victim was then taken to safety, and a subsequent investigation involving members of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau and the Tinton Falls Police Department uncovered evidence leading to the criminal charges, including information that Harbour had discarded the victim’s cell phone in a neighboring town.
Police say, a search of Harbour’s room uncovered quantities of suspected cocaine, oxycodone, and two types of prescription tranquilizers.
Harbour was transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) to await a first appearance and detention hearing in Monmouth County Superior Court.