BARNEGAT MAN ARRESTED IN ENDANGERMENT OF A MINOR CASE

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the arrest of Steven M. Sheerer, 25, of Barnegat, NJ, for the charges of 3rd Degree Distribution of Obscenity to a Minor and 3rd Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. If convicted each charge carries a penalty of five (5) years in New Jersey State Prison.

Sheerer’s arrest stems from an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit (HTCU), along with the Barnegat and Long Beach Police Departments. On Friday morning (8/21) Detectives from the High Tech Crime Unit and the Barnegat Police Department retrieved the 17 year old victim’s cell phone with consent from the victim’s mother. Examination of the phone by the HTCU revealed evidence of inappropriate communications over the last several weeks between Sheerer and the minor. Consultation with Assistant Prosecutor Hillary Bryce resulted in the above charges being signed by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit.

The same day (8/21) at 8:30 pm, Sheerer was arrested at his Village Drive residence in Barnegat by the partnering agencies. A search warrant was also executed on his residence, at which time a computer and other digital equipment were seized as part of the continuing investigation.

Sheerer is presently being held in Ocean County Jail in default of $40,000 cash bail set by Judge Phillip Miller, J.S.C. The court has also mandated Nicole’s Law, stipulating no contact with the victim or her family.

The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Steven M. Sheerer

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