Man Charged in New Jersey for Attempting to Lure and Sexually Assault Child

Attorney General’s Office alleges 60-year-old suspect arranged to meet what he believed was a 12-year-old girl for sex; arrest made in Bordentown sting operation.

A Philadelphia man has been charged with multiple crimes including human trafficking and attempted sexual assault after allegedly arranging to engage in sexual activity with a child, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced on Tuesday.

Bruce Drelich, 60, of Philadelphia, was arrested in Bordentown, New Jersey, on May 2, 2025, after arriving at a hotel where he allegedly intended to meet and sexually assault a 12-year-old girl. The meeting was part of a law enforcement operation in which an undercover officer posed online as a mother offering her daughter for sexual activity.

According to the criminal complaint, the investigation began on April 5, 2025, when Drelich allegedly contacted the undercover officer via a mobile messaging application. After being told the supposed child’s age, Drelich expressed interest in sexual activity with the girl while the mother observed. He allegedly sent a photo of himself and identified himself as “Bruce.” Authorities were able to confirm his identity and track his plans, which included reserving a hotel room for the meeting.

Upon Drelich’s arrival at the hotel, officers arrested him. He now faces the following charges:

• Conspiracy to commit human trafficking (1st degree)

• Attempted human trafficking (2nd degree)

• Luring (2nd degree)

• Attempted aggravated sexual assault (2nd degree)

• Attempted endangering the welfare of a child by sexual conduct (3rd degree)

“Sex crimes targeting children are some of the most disturbing matters my office investigates,” Attorney General Platkin said in a statement. “This defendant tried to arrange the sexual assault of a child. Thanks to the diligent work of our investigators and prosecutors, he was arrested and charged without carrying out his plans.”

Director Theresa L. Hilton of the Division of Criminal Justice emphasized the broader issue of online predation: “The internet is a dangerous place, providing a level of cover for people who are trying to conceal their dangerous criminal intentions. Child sex predators are lurking online, but they should know that we are out there too, always looking for them.”

Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, underscored the seriousness of the charges: “Human trafficking and the exploitation of a child are crimes that strike at the very core of our society’s values. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting children and bringing those who engage in such vile and predatory behavior to justice.”

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Michael Forte of the Division of Criminal Justice.

In New Jersey, first-degree crimes carry penalties of 10 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $200,000. Second-degree crimes may result in five to 10 years of incarceration and fines up to $150,000. Third-degree crimes carry penalties of three to five years in prison and fines up to $15,000.

All charges remain allegations at this stage, and Drelich is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.