Middletown man accused of two underage trysts in Ocean County

A Middletown 22-year-old suspected of engaging in sex with two Ocean County girls below age 18 is held on $100,000 bail following his Tuesday arrest.

Joseph Corio faces two counts of sexual assault and child endangerment, accused of debauching a 15- and 13-year-old who became acquainted with him through a dating web site, according to the office of Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato.

Investigators believe that Corio and the elder teen became acquainted through the dating site in September 2015, that a relationship developed, and that the 15-year-old introduced the younger teen to Corio.

Corio's arrest followed a search of his dwelling and vehicle, conducted by The arrest was carried out by Little Egg Harbor Township Detective Steve Martin, Detectives Stephanie Bayha and John Dotto of the Prosecutor's Office, and Detective Ralph Laudicina of the county Sheriff's Office.

Corio's bail carries no option for release on payment of 10 percent. He is ordered to avoid any contact with the alleged victims.

The Prosecutor's office did not indicate whether Corio has retained an attorney. Innocence or guilt will be determined either through a plea bargain or by trial.