An Ocean County man is in jail after Brigantine police found him in a parked car with a minor.
Thomas Aljian Jr., 55, of Manahawkin, is accused of engaging in sexual acts with a young teen in the vehicle found parked behind the Brigantine Observation Tower at about 4 a.m. Saturday.
Officer Nicholas Crosson came across the parked vehicle while doing a property check, police said.
Crosson saw suspicious activity inside the vehicle and approached to investigating, finding Aljian and the teen inside, according to the report.
While officers were investigating, the teen ran and was found near the Sea Wall and taken into custody, police said.
He would not give his correct name or age at the time.
Meanwhile, police identified Aljian as the owner of the vehicle and sent him on his way, according to the report.
Back at the police station, the teen's identity was determined and it was found he is younger than 16. a
An investigation by Detective James Powderley also found that the teen and Aljian had engaged in sexual acts just before Crosson encountered them.
A warrant was then issued for Aljian charging him with second-degree sexual assault of a person at least 13 years older by younger than 16.
He also was charged with endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested Tuesday.
Aljian is an attorney based in Colts Neck, according to his LinkedIn, working at Aljian & Montgomery. The only number listed went directly to voice mail.
He is currently in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
The state has not applied for detention, so he is expected to be released Wednesday.
