BOONTON -- Authorities say a 21-year-old, posing as a United States Marine, convinced a 14-year-old to have sex with him by telling her he was deploying within a few days.

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Boonton Police Chief David Mayhood Friday announced the arrest of Johnathan Lozada, 21, a town resident.

He's been charged with sexual assault in the second degree, endangering the welfare of a minor in the third degree and unlawful wearing of a uniform in the fourth degree.

On June 12, the girl told law enforcement she had engaged in sexual intercourse with Lozada at his home in Boonton. He'd said he was a Marine, wore dog tags and had a United States Marine Corps tattoo, authorities said.

During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Lozada was not and had never been enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, authorities said.



Judge James DeMarzo set bail his bail at $75,000 with no 10 percent option. He's subject to a Nicole's Law restraining order preventing him from having contact with the girl, and broadly can't have contact with children under the age of 18.



Knapp said in an announcement of the arrest he wanted to thank Boonton police, specifically Detective Karl Mangino, and Detectve Janet Thai of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit.

Louis C. Hochman may be reached at lhochman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @LouisCHochman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.