New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Statutory Sexual Assault of 15-Year-Old
A 32-year-old New Jersey man pleaded guilty in Pike County to attempting to engage in sexual activity with a 15-year-old after communicating with an undercover officer posing as a minor.
Christopher Epperly, 32, last known address Sussex, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to criminal attempt to commit statutory sexual assault (11 years older), unlawful contact with a minor, and possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled or counterfeit substance. Investigators say Epperly communicated with a law enforcement officer posing as a minor under 18, agreed to provide alcohol and marijuana, and was arrested in Pike County after arriving to engage in sexual contact; officers found a condom, THC and alcoholic beverages in his possession. He faces a maximum of 20 years in a state correctional facility, is scheduled for sentencing before Judge Gregory H. Chelak on December 18, 2026, will be evaluated for possible sexually violent predator status, and will be required to register under Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law for life.