Atlantic Co. Man Who Lured Teen Girl For Sex Sentenced To State Prison: Prosecutor

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Mays Landing man was sentenced to state prison after trying to meet up with a 14-year-old girl for sex, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Richard Hoffman, 27, was sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison following his guilty plea to luring in connection with events in Toms River in Sept. 2018, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. Hoffman was also ordered to register as a Megan's Law Offender and is subject to parole supervision for life, Billhimer said.

Hoffman was arrested on Sept. 5, 2018 as part of Operation Open House, a multi-agency undercover operation led by the New Jersey Department of Criminal Justice, New Jersey Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. It targeted men who used the social media apps Whisper and Kik to try and lure minors for sexual activity.

Hoffman thought he was talking to a 14-year-old girl and made arrangements to meet her at her Toms River home for sexual activity, Billhimer said. In reality, Hoffman was talking to an undercover detective from the Camden County Prosecutor's Office, Billhimer said.

On Sept. 5, 2018, Hoffman made it to the Toms River home, and was taken into custody, Billhimer said. He was taken to Ocean County Jail and released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.

At the time, Hoffman was one of 24 arrests made in the operation. He pleaded guilty in February. Read More: Man Pleads Guilty In 2018 Child Predator Bust In Toms River

Billhimer thanked the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman who handled the case on behalf of the State, and the many law enforcement agencies involved with Operation Open House.