A veteran Atlantic City Beach Patrol lifeguard has been suspended after prosecutors say he arranged to meet someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl for paid sexual activity. The “teen” was actually an undercover detective, leading to his arrest in Cherry Hill.
WEBDESK – HAJIRA IRFAN – NJNEWSLINE
Veteran Lifeguard Faces Serious Charges
A longtime Atlantic City Beach Patrol lifeguard is facing multiple criminal charges after prosecutors accused him of trying to meet someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl for paid sexual activity during an undercover child exploitation investigation.
Stephen M. Pagnoni, 38, of Egg Harbor Township, was arrested Tuesday in Cherry Hill after investigators say weeks of online communication led to a planned meeting at a local park. The person he believed was an underage girl was actually an undercover detective with the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit.
City officials confirmed that Pagnoni has been suspended from his duties with the Atlantic City Beach Patrol while the case moves through the legal system.
Online Chats Sparked the Investigation
According to prosecutors, the investigation began after Pagnoni allegedly started communicating online with what he believed was a 15-year-old girl.
During those conversations, investigators say he arranged to meet the girl at a Cherry Hill park and planned to engage in sexual activity in exchange for money. Detectives monitored the communications as part of an undercover operation targeting people suspected of attempting to exploit minors online.
Authorities have not indicated that any real child was involved in the case.
Arrest Made at Cherry Hill Park
Investigators say the online conversations ended with plans to meet at a Cherry Hill park.
When Pagnoni arrived at the agreed location, officers moved in and arrested him without incident. He was later taken to the Camden County Correctional Facility, where he remains in custody pending a detention hearing.
The operation was carried out by the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office with assistance from local law enforcement agencies.
Charges Include Attempted Sexual Assault and Child Luring
Pagnoni is facing a series of serious criminal charges.
Those include first-degree attempted manufacturing of child sexual abuse material, along with second-degree charges of attempting to lure a child, attempted sexual assault of a minor, and attempted prostitution with a minor.
He is also charged with attempted sending of obscene material to a minor and two counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child, both third-degree offenses. In addition, prosecutors filed two disorderly persons charges related to engaging in prostitution.
The charges are allegations, and Pagnoni is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Beach Patrol Suspends Longtime Employee
Atlantic City officials said Pagnoni has served with the Beach Patrol since he was 18 years old, making him one of the department’s longest-serving lifeguards.
Following his arrest, the city suspended him from duty. Officials have not said whether additional disciplinary action will be taken before the criminal case is resolved.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation is continuing and did not release additional details about the case. Officials regularly conduct undercover operations like this to identify individuals suspected of attempting to exploit children online before any real minors are harmed.
