Cops: Man, 68, Touched, Groped Ocean County Mall Employee

A 68-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly touched and groped an Ocean County Mall employee on Monday night, department spokesman Ralph Stocco said.

Anthony Proto, 68, of Inverness Court in Lakewood was arrested Tuesday evening at his home at approximately 8 p.m. He was charged with criminal sexual contact and was lodged in the Ocean County Jail on $10,000 bail, police said.

The arrest took place hours after photos and other information were posted on social media.

The man walked into a store and began a conversation with an 18-year-old female employee. He then cornered the woman, who was working alone, Stocco said.

“He committed an act of offensive touching by forcing himself on the employee and putting his arm around her while pulling her towards his body and kissing her as well as grabbing her breast,” Stocco said. ”She tried to push herself away, but he then pulled her in closer. “

The woman had never seen the man before the incident and the police department is trying to identify him. He has a bald head and several tattoos along the entire length of his arm. He was wearing a sleeveless T-shirt and gray pants, Stocco said.

“The incident was captured on surveillance footage and we are releasing the suspect’s photograph in hopes that the community can identify him for the purpose of prosecution as well as the safety of other woman,” he said. ”Out of concern for the victim, we currently are not releasing the name of the store where the incident occurred.”

Anyone with any information about the man’s identity should private message the Toms River police department on Facebook, or call Detective Steve Bucci at 732-349-0150 ext. 1300.