MONMOUTH COUNTY – A 41-year-old man has been arrested and charged for promoting the prostitution of a teenager at a Tinton Falls motel, officials said.
Jerome L. Harbour is charged with first-degree Promoting Prostitution of a Child, third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child via Sexual Conduct, third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child via Non-Sexual Conduct, third-degree Hindering Apprehension, four third-degree narcotics offenses, fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact, and fourth-degree Obstruction of Justice.
On November 16, Tinton Falls Police was alerted that a 17-year-old girl might be in crisis somewhere in the area of Eatontown or Tinton Falls. Police searched the area, leading them to a motel near the interchange of Route 18, Route 36, and the Garden State Parkway.
Authorities knocked on the door of the room where Harbour was staying, and Harbour denied any knowledge of the girl in question. However, police later found the teen hidden inside Harbour motel room.
After bringing the victim to safety, authorities discovered that Harbour had discarded the girl’s cell phone in a neighboring town.
While searching the motel room, police found uncovered quantities of suspected cocaine, oxycodone, and two types of prescription tranquilizers.
Harbour was subsequently brought to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) to await a first appearance and detention hearing in Monmouth County Superior Court. He faces up to 20 years in state prison for first-degree criminal charges.
Anyone with information about this matter or Harbour’s recent activities is urged to contact MCPO Detective Kayla Santiago at 800-533-7443 or Tinton Falls Police Department Detective Sergeant Daniel Osofsky at 732-542-4422.
Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about this or any crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400, or by going to the website at monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
