Somerset Man Bought Boy's Nude Pics, Lured Him And Threatened His Family: Prosecutor

SOMERSET, NJ — A Somerset man was charged after authorities say he convinced a Burlington County child to take and send him nude photos, and also arranged to meet the underage boy and then threatened the victim's family when he didn't show up.

Sebastian Romero, 27, was charged with several sex crimes after an investigation by the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office(BCPO) and Cinnaminson police.

The investigation began last month when the victim's family reported Romero to Cinnaminson police.

Authorities found that Romero initially contacted the boy in a chatroom on an online gaming platform, said Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Cinnaminson Township Police Chief William Obuchowski.

Romero got the child's personal information and then offered to purchase nude photos and videos — all while knowing the victim's age, said Bradshaw.

Romero convinced the boy to accept electronic gift cards in exchange for nude photos and videos of himself, Bradshaw said.

He also arranged to meet the victim for a sexual encounter and made threatening statements toward the victim's family when he didn't show up, according to Bradshaw.

Authorities conducted a search at his home on Aug. 2 where they seized multiple electronic devices, among other evidence. Romero was arrested during the search.

Romero was charged with producing child sexual abuse material (first-degree), impairing/debauching the morals of a child (second-degree), luring (second-degree), aggravated sexual extortion (second-degree), possession of child sexual abuse material (third-degree) and obscenity to a minor (third-degree).

— Additional reporting by June Bakan

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