A 36-year-old man has been arrested on luring and child endangerment charges in connection with internet sting during which he discussed engaging in sexual activity with someone he thought was a 14-year-old, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced.

Karl Vogt, 36, of Rancocas Road in Westampton Township, Burlington County, was charged with one count of second-degree luring, one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child for debauching the morals of a child, one count of fourth-degree possession of prohibited weapon for possessing a firearms silencer, and one count of fourth-degree possession of a prohibited weapon for possessing a large capacity magazine.

The charges follow a month long investigation in which Vogt sent messages to a person he believed was a 14-year-old female high school student. In those messages, Vogt planned to meet the 14-year-old and discussed engaging in sexual activity with the child. 

Detectives from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office learned Vogt lived in Westampton. On Aug. 27, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force — which includes Detectives from the Spring Lake, Hazlet, Ocean Township and Wall, police departments — along with the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office Computer Crimes Unit, NJ State Police Digital Technologies Investigations Unit, Westampton Police Department, and Freehold Township Police Department arrested Vogt and executed a search warrant at his residence. During the search warrant officers also found prohibited weapons.

If convicted of the third-degree charges, Vogt faces up to 15 years in a NJ state prison, Megan’s Law and Parole Supervision for Life. If convicted of fourth-degree charges, Vogt faces 36 months in prison.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to contact Detective Tiffany Lenart of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-800-533-7443.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line by calling 1-800-671-4400; can text “MONMOUTH” plus their tip to 274637; or, they can email a tip via the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.  Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of criminals and fugitives.

— Edited press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office