BOONTON — Former Boonton Councilman and Highlands Coalition official Elliott Ruga has been cleared of charges related to an alleged attempt to lure an underage boy for sex.
In a letter from his attorney, Robert Dunn, Esq. of Morristown, he advised Morris Focus the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office has decided not to pursue the endangering the welfare of a child charge against him.
Expressing relief, Ruga described the ordeal he endured after being confronted by representatives of OB Global, an organization known for its vigilante activities. He stated that he was coerced into false confessions during the encounter on January 21st, leading to his arrest and subsequent humiliation.
The controversial sting operation purportedly caught Ruga at a Saddle Brook Walmart store, where he was accused of intending to meet a 15-year-old male for sex. Ruga denies these allegations, asserting he was coerced into confessing false charges.
Ruga condemned the actions of vigilante groups like OB Global, criticizing their tactics of publicly shaming individuals without regard for innocence or due process. He emphasized the need to address such vigilante activities, which he claims are prevalent nationwide and in Canada.
With the charges against him dropped Ruga expressed his relief and determination to reclaim his reputation. He highlighted the dangers of vigilante luring and urged awareness of its prevalence, emphasizing the importance of police discouragement of such actions.
