Video Leads To Lacey Man's Arrest On Attempted Sex Assault Charge

LACEY, NJ — A Lacey man was charged Monday with luring and attempted sexual assault after a private citizen's YouTube video prompted the investigation, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

Phillip Stone believed he was chatting with a 14-year-old girl on the Skout, a social media app, authorities said. Stone, 33, arranged a meeting with the "girl" and solicited her for sexual relations, according to the OCPO.

In the video (warning: sexually explicit language), a YouTuber named Minnow pretends to be a 14-year-old girl on Skout. He and Stone talk on the app and arrange to meet at Five Guys in Toms River.

Also in the video, Stone was sitting in the restaurant when he sees he was talking to Minnow the whole time. Minnow says he has some questions for Stone for a "psychiatric study." They stepped outside Five Guys to talk before Stone walks away.

The OCPO announced Monday night — one day after the video was posted — that Stone was arrested. He was taken to the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Local law enforcement emphasized the dangers of private citizens getting involved in criminal investigations. It can also hinder the investigation, said Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.

"Taking the law into your own hands is dangerous," Billhimer said. "We are very fortunate that no one got hurt today and we were able to take a child predator off the street."

Toms River police received several inquiries into the video.

"This incident needs to be properly investigated by law enforcement and necessary officials are looking into this matter," said Jillian Messina, media specialist for the Toms River Police Department. "We always appreciate the assistance from the public, however, some matters can be extremely dangerous and should be handled by professionals."