Atlantic City Lifeguard Stephen Pagnoni Suspended After Child Luring Sting Arrest
Stephen Pagnoni, a 38‑year‑old lifeguard for Atlantic City, was arrested after an undercover Camden County prosecutor’s detective, posing as a 15‑year‑old girl, arranged a meeting with him at a park in Cherry Hill. Pagnoni allegedly sought sexual activity in exchange for money.
He has been charged with first‑degree attempted manufacturing of child sexual abuse material, second‑degree attempting to lure a child, second‑degree attempted sexual assault of a minor, and second‑degree attempted prostitution with a minor. The Atlantic City Department of Public Safety announced his suspension pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.
Entities: Atlantic City · Atlantic City Department of Public Safety · Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office · Camden County Prosecutor's Office · Cherry Hill Police Department · Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia · Imodd Brown Dillihay · New Jersey · Stephen Pagnoni
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office filed a motion for pre‑trial detention with a hearing scheduled for the following week. (Prosecutor’s Office statement)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The child was pronounced dead on February 10, 2026, days before her second birthday. (Affidavit and medical records)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Imodd Brown Dillihay, 29, was charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter in the death of his 1-year-old daughter. (Atlantic City father charged with aggravated manslaughter in toddler's death)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Doctors at CHOP said the injuries could have resulted only from a fall from a multi‑story building, a high‑speed car crash, or physical abuse. (Medical examiner affidavit)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The child suffered severe blunt-force trauma to the head and neck with multiple internal brain and spinal injuries. (Medical examiner findings)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The child was airlifted to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia after being taken to the hospital. (Police and hospital reports)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Police responded to a 911 call on February 2, 2026, regarding an unresponsive child in Atlantic City. (Police report)