Lewd Texts Lead To Man’s Arrest

Michael Camacho (Photo courtesy Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office)

MONMOUTH COUNTY – He thought he was sending sexually explicit texts to an 11-year-old, law enforcement said. Instead, he was exchanging texts with an undercover police officer.

Michael Camacho, 55, formerly of Lake Como who now lives in Massachusetts, pled guilty to second- and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child in front of Superior Court Judge Paul X. Escandon, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office announced.

He’s scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 25.

Authorities did not disclose how Camacho was connected to the child. He contacted the girl on her cell phone. An undercover detective with the Ocean Township Police Department, aided by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Computer Crimes Unit, took over the communications, posing as the girl.

Camacho sent texts describing engaging in sexual activity with the child. He sent obscene photos of himself and requested the girl send photos of herself to him. He asked to meet up with the girl.

The Ocean Township Police Department and Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office tracked Camacho to New Bedford, Massachusetts. The Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General, Enterprise, Major and Cyber Crime Division and New Bedford Police Department assisted in locating and arresting him on outstanding charges.

The State plans to recommend a prison sentence of four years. Under his plea deal, Camacho will be required to register under Megan’s Law, and will be subject to parole supervision for life.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Stephanie Dugan.