Pedro Ponce, a 31-year old undocumented alien from Ecuador, appeared in Hudson County’s Central Judicial Processing (“CJP”) court late last week to answer charges of luring a 15-year old girl into his vehicle. He was charged earlier in February with trying to lure a 14-year old girl into his vehicle near a school in Union City, where he was apparently residing until his arrest.
He was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Stalking, and Luring & Enticing the 15-year old girl, who he apparently saw on the street after school dismissal one afternoon. He followed her numerous times, making inappropriate comments and offers, and told her to get into his vehicle for a ride.
He is facing similar charges regarding his conduct towards the 14-year old girl, who he allegedly approached at her school between eight and ten times, telling her that he wanted to be with her, and attempting to lure her into his vehicle. He also found her on Facebook and sent messages to her saying “Hi Baby.”
He is being held on no bail at the Hudson County jail in Kearny. Authorities from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) have been notified of his arrest.
For more information, see the Jersey Journal article entitled, “Union City man charged with trying to lure teen girls into his van.”
If convicted on both sets of charges, Ponce could face a lengthy term in New Jersey State Prison, since sentences for each victim could be ordered to run consecutive to one another.
What’s worse, due to the nature and severity of the charges, he will almost certainly be deported back to his home country of Ecuador following his completion of any sentence imposed.
