Tuckerton man accused of Megan’s Law discrepancy

A Megan's Law registrant from Tuckerton risks up to five years in prison if convicted of failing to re-register with borough police.

Joshua O. Torres, 34, was arrested at this home without incident Friday night, according to information from the office of Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato.

It's the second circumstance involving mandatory re-registration to surface in as many days. Last Thursday, a Toms River man who authorities say moved to Howell a year ago was arrested for not notifying police in either community, as required by law.

Failure to register is a third-degree crime, with a possible prison term of up to five years and a maximum fine of $15,000 on conviction.

The Prosecutor has dispatched a unit with the specific assignment of tracking down Megan's Law registration violators. Registrants are required to notify local authorities either every 90 days or once a year. Torres is expected to comply annually, authorities said.

Investigators confronted Torres during surveillance of his home. Detective Sergeant Michael Cecchini initiated the arrest with Little Egg Harbor Patrolmen Matt Pretty and James Fehring.

Cecchini is accepting information relevant to the case at 732-929-2027, ext. 7918.