By: Richard L. Smith
A South Jersey man has been sentenced to state prison after authorities say he used explicit messages to lure a minor into meeting him at a public park.
According to information released by prosecutors, Kyle Smith, 28, of Glassboro, was sentenced Friday to four years in New Jersey State Prison.
The sentence was imposed by the Honorable Kevin T. Smith following Smith’s guilty plea to one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.
Authorities said the investigation began in July 2023 when officers with the Franklin Township Police Department observed Smith, who was 25 at the time, in a public park with a 12-year-old girl.
A subsequent investigation revealed that Smith had allegedly sent explicit messages to the child and arranged the meeting with the intent of engaging in an explicit encounter.
Under the terms of his sentence, Smith will be subject to parole supervision for life upon his release and will be required to register under Megan’s Law.
A final offense restraining order will also be put in place to protect the victim.
Prosecutor Christine A. Hoffman credited the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and High-Tech Crimes Unit, along with local police, for their work in the investigation that led to the arrest and sentencing.
Officials continue to urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant about their children’s online activity and report suspicious behavior to law enforcement.