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Michael Marto, 28, of Tuckerton, exposed his penis to a 10-year-old girl, propositioned two 15-year-old girls, and made sexual comments toward a 17-year-old girl — all in Lakewood, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.
Marto's arrest comes one day after that of Massinissa Ladj, who wore a ski mask as he drove around and masturbated in front of females as young as 12 years old in Lakewood, police said.
Massinissa Ladj
On Nov. 24, 2024, the Lakewood Township Police Department received a report regarding a male traveling in a motor vehicle and exposing his penis to a 10-year-old girl as she was riding a Segway on Locust Street, Billhimer said. Investigating officers were able to obtain a description of the suspect.
On Dec. 5, Lakewood police were again contacted for a report of a black Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) following a 15-year-old female victim in the area of Coleman Avenue and Milton Street. An investigation by responding Officers determined that as the victim was walking on Milton Street, the SUV maintained a close distance with her – stopping the vehicle whenever she would stop walking, according to the prosecutor. The driver then sexually propositioned the victim; she subsequently ran into her residence and the SUV sped away.
On Dec. 12, 2024, the Lakewood Police Department received another report of a male driving a black SUV, who attempted to lure a 15-year-old female victim into his vehicle in the area of Warren Avenue. Responding officers discovered that as the victim was walking on Warren Street, a black SUV began driving slowly next to her. The driver of the vehicle rolled down the passenger’s side window and sexually propositioned the victim, who then ran from the scene, Billhimer said.
On Jan. 5, 2025, Lakewood Township Police again received a report concerning a male operating a black SUV and following a 17-year-old female victim in the area of Cushman Street. An investigation revealed that as the victim was walking on Cushman Street, the driver of the SUV twice made sexual comments to her before speeding away, according to the prosecutor.
Continuing investigation revealed that Marto was the individual responsible for the incidents, and on Thursday, Feb. 20, he was arrested by detectives from Lakewood, Little Egg Harbor, and Tuckerton. Marto was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is lodged pending a detention hearing.
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