Atlantic City Lifeguard Arrested for Trying to Lure Teen for Sex

A longtime Atlantic City lifeguard was arrested on Tuesday after he allegedly tried to meet up with a teenager for sex activity in exchange for money, Camden County officials said Thursday.

Atlantic City Lifeguard Arrested For Trying to Lure Underage Girl

Stephen M. Pagnoni, 38, of Egg Harbor Township, thought he was chatting online with a 15-year-old girl when he arranged to meet her at a park in Cherry Hill to have sex in exchange for money.

But the person chatting with him was actually an undercover detective from the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit, according to Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Cherry Hill Police Chief John Ostermueller.

After he arrived at the park, MacAulay said, Pagnoni was taken into custody by Cherry Hill police and members of the prosecutor’s office.

Pagnoni was charged with first-degree attempted manufacturing of child sexual abuse material, second-degree attempting to lure a child, second-degree attempted sexual assault of a minor, second-degree attempted prostitution with a minor, and related offenses.

Atlantic City Officials Respond to Pagnoni Charges

In an emailed statement, the Atlantic City Department of Public Safety said it was aware of the criminal charges against Pagnoni.

“Based upon those charges, the lifeguard has been suspended from duty pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.

The department will continue to monitor the investigation and will take any additional administrative action that may be appropriate as the matter proceeds.”