Tabernacle resident David Neugent has been arrested and charged with allegedly attempting to lure a teenager, according to police reports.
On Monday, Dec. 5, police say a 16-year-old girl was allegedly approached by Neugent, who was driving a red Ford Explorer in Fawn Lake Village, Shamong Township.
Police say the 52-year-old Neugent allegedly began to have a conversation with the girl, told her to get into his car and offered to give her a ride to the bus stop or school.
After the incident was reported, state troopers canvassed the area and identified another girl who police say was also approached by Neugent.
Richard Schmidt has lived in Neugent’s neighborhood for 38 years. He said Neugent has been a neighbor for about 15 years.
“I thought it was kind of crazy because he’s always been a gentleman here … always been a nice guy,” Schmidt said, noting that Neugent would help him out “in a heartbeat.”
“I don’t believe it happened,” Schmidt said. “I don’t believe he did it. I don’t think Dave would do anything.”
Maryann Schmidt, Richard’s wife, also stands by Neugent.
“I believe he’s innocent, period,” she said, noting he never bothered her granddaughters. “He’s a nice guy.”
Neighbor Bob Bieber, who has lived in Neugent’s neighborhood for eight years, said it is “very surprising” to see an allegation like this happen in the area, which he said is “very family oriented.”
Ed Reilly, another neighbor, said he never met Neugent and never heard anything about him.
“His side deserves to be listened to and, quite frankly, we have no patience with pedophiles if he is guilty of the infraction — and we’d certainly want him off the streets if that’s the case and get treatment, of course,” Reilly said, noting he is not surprised the alleged luring happening in the area.
“It can happen anywhere. The area itself does not dictate what’s going to happen (or) what isn’t going to happen — that’s the individual and the individual’s mind. I think if he’s found innocent and he truly is innocent then it’s a disaster for his reputation because people will never truly accept the fact/ Where there is rumor, people interpret that as fact so that even if he’s cleared, people will always think there may have been some factual evidence there that was missed and that he is actually guilty and probably never truly accept him.”
Neugent’s lawyer did not return a call seeking comment.
Neugent had initially been remanded to the Burlington County Jail, but later posted $50,000 cash bail, reports said.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Trooper B. Arnesen at NJSP Red Lion Station at (609) 859–1432.
