N.J. man denies seeking sex from cop he thought was teen
A Somerset, N.J. man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges he solicited sex from police officers portraying a young girl on the Internet.
Kenneth Aronson, 36, was arrested Aug. 20 when he flew to the area from his home state and drove to a prearranged location in Lake County where he believed he would meet the girl.
Assistant State's Attorney Mary Stanton said a pair of sheriff's detectives began communicating with Aronson in an Internet chat room in late July. The detectives told Aronson they were a 15-year-old girl, and Aronson proposed they get together for sex, Stanton said.
When the detectives agreed, Aronson flew to O'Hare International Airport, rented a car and drove to the location where he was arrested, Stanton said.
Police confiscated Aronson's laptop computer, which Stanton said contains evidence of his correspondence with the detectives.
Aronson, who is free after posting $2,500 for bond and is allowed to travel between here and New Jersey, faces up to five years in prison if convicted.
Circuit Judge John Phillips scheduled a trial of the case for Feb. 1 and ordered Aronson to appear in court Jan. 5.