MANALAPAN – A 30-year-old man has admitted to using online chat to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity, officials said.
Angelo N. Curato, 30, of Manalapan, pleaded guilty to one count of online enticement of a minor.
According to authorities, Curato was using online chat apps between February 2017 through June 2017 to lie about his identity and encouraged a minor to engage in prohibited sexual activity, knowing that the victim was under 18.
Online enticement charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for November 29.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark; and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Lori Linskey, with the investigation leading to Curato’s guilty plea.
