Community Corner

Ocean Gate Man Arrested in Connection with Abusing Two Children

Abuse allegedly took place in a Brick home a decade ago, law enforcement officials said.

A 41-year-old Ocean Gate man has been arrested and charged with sexually abusing two children in a Brick Township home a decade ago, and officials with the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office are asking that anyone else with information come forward.

Michael LeTrent III, 41, of Ocean Gate, was arrested for abusing the two children - who were then 6 and 12 years of age - after about a 10-day search for him, officials with the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office announced in a press release today.

The release noted that in late May, LeTrent’s alleged female victim reported the abuse to Brick Township police, who in turn notified Det. Stephanie Bayha of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit.  

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On June 1, two detectives went to LeTrent’s home to interview him in reference the allegations, and advised his girlfriend that they needed to speak with him.

After "several attempts" to reach him, law enforcement officials issued a warrant for LeTrent's arrest, and on June 11, LeTrent surrendered himself to the Manchester Township Police Department. 

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LeTrent has been charged with aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.  

Bail was set at $500,000 with no 10% option by Ocean County Superior Court Judge Hodgson.

According to the press release, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the Brick Township Police Department are encouraging any other people with information about the case to contact either the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit at 732-929-2027 or the Brick Township Police Department at 732-477-8300.


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