Alleged child predator from Little Egg Harbor stays locked up

The former New Jersey State Police worker from Little Egg Harbor facing multiple counts related to child pornography and sexual assault will stay behind bars until court proceedings.

The ruling for Milton Cortina, 40, under bail reform guidelines that took effect in New Jersey January 1, was issued Monday by Ocean County Superior Court Judge Wendel Daniels, according to the office of Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato.

Charges lodged against Cortina by Little Egg Harbor police and by Ocean County investigators include aggravated sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, endangering the welfare of a child, production and possession of child pornography, and invasion of privacy.

Under stipulations of Nicole's Law, Cortina is also ordered to have no contact with the alleged victims.

Cortina reportedly was employed as a repairman in the State Police marine unit. Hewas arrested January 30, following a probe that began in December 2016 regarding one alleged victim. Two days later, investigators of the Prosecutor's High Tech Crime Unit said that they discovered evidence of a second juvenile.

Ocean County Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christine Lento heads the State's case. Authorities disclosed no information regarding Cortina's legal representation.

Charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless, and until, found guilty in a court of law.