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Ridgewood Officer Charged with Luring, Endangering the Welfare of a Minor

Ridgewood

Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of Peter J. Tuchol, Jr., 28, of Waldwick, on the charges of Attempted Endangering The Welfare Of A Minor, Luring, Attempted Sexual Assault, Possession Of A Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession Of A Prescription Legend Drug, and Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia.

According to authorities, beginning on April 11th, members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit and Task Force engaged in online conversations with Tuchol, Jr. who believed he was communicating with a 15-year-old girl. During the exchanges, Tuchol, Jr. arranged to meet with the purported 15-year-old girl to engage in sex. Detectives Monday executed a search warrant at Tuchol, Jr.’s residence and seized controlled dangerous substances.

As a result of the investigation, Tuchol, Jr. was arrested on yesterday in Ridgewood and charged with one count of Luring, Attempted Sexual Assault, Attempted Endangering The Welfare Of A Minor, Possession of A Controlled Dangerous Substance, namely Anabolic Steroids, Possession Of A Prescription Legend Drug and Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia, namely hypodermic needles.

Police say Tuchol, Jr. was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack on a date to be determined.

Acting Prosecutor Calo states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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