NJ sex offender arrested for lewdness in public park, cops say

ALLENTOWN — A 54-year-old registered sex offender was arrested Monday after he was allegedly seen engaging in a sex act in a public park.

Miguel Flores of Jackson was charged with two counts each of lewdness and criminal sexual contact, according to Allentown police.

Authorities say officers responded to Pete Sensi Park at about 2:46 p.m. after two people went to police headquarters and reported that a tan male with a skinny build, bald or shaved head, blue work shirt and brown/green pants was standing near a tree, masturbating and "gazing into town" as people walked by.

When Patrolman Anthony Rando responded to the area, he found a male wearing a blue shirt sitting in the only vehicle parked in the lot near the park. As the officer approached, authorities say the driver, later identified as Flores, tried to put his car in reverse and leave the area. At that point, the patrolman blocked Flores' vehicle and asked him to exit the vehicle.

During questioning at the scene, Florez told the officer he had been urinating in public. Through further investigation, however, police learned the man was a registered sex offender. He was then arrested, processed and later transported to Monmouth County Jail in lieu of $7,000 bail.

Following the arrest, Allentown police say they began receiving additional reports of a man fitting the description of Flores, wandering around the borough. Police say they are continuing to investigate these claims and ask anyone with information to contact Patrolman Rando at arando@allentownboronj.com.

Toniann Antonelli is a social content producer for NJ 101.5. She can be reached at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.

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