A New Jersey man is back in custody after being accused of exposing himself on a college campus—his second arrest for public lewdness in just six months. Authorities say the repeat offender, a 21-year-old from South Brunswick, was apprehended this week after allegedly committing the act on school grounds, raising alarm across multiple universities and their surrounding communities.
Officials have not yet released the suspect’s name, but they confirmed he was charged with public lewdness in connection with the latest incident. This mirrors similar charges he faced in a separate case last year, which also took place on a college campus in the state.
Second Time in Six Months
This disturbing case isn’t the first time the individual has drawn police attention. According to law enforcement, the man had already been arrested for similar behavior just six months ago. In that case, he reportedly exposed himself in a public area on a different campus in New Jersey. Despite facing charges, he was not held long-term and had apparently returned to the streets before the most recent episode.
The back-to-back nature of the incidents has raised serious concerns about repeat offenders and how they are monitored after being released.
Another Arrest Near Rutgers
In a separate but similarly troubling case, 33-year-old Jose Paulino 2nd, of New Brunswick, was arrested after allegedly attempting to grope multiple women near Rutgers University’s College Avenue campus. The incidents reportedly took place over just two days and within a 20-minute span. Authorities say Paulino tried to grope five women during that brief window.
Paulino now faces charges of criminal attempt sexual contact and harassment. He was taken into custody shortly after the incidents were reported and is currently being held pending further legal proceedings.
Students and Parents Demand Action
The string of incidents has caused considerable anxiety among students, faculty, and parents. With two cases involving sexual misconduct in such a short period—and both connected to university environments—many are demanding stronger security protocols and more accountability in the legal system.
A Rutgers senior, who asked not to be named, said, “It’s frustrating that people like this can just walk around campuses after doing something like that. What’s the point of arresting them if they’re just going to do it again?”
Meanwhile, local police have increased patrols around campus perimeters and issued a reminder for students to remain aware of their surroundings.
Law Enforcement Response
Officials from various local police departments are working together with campus security teams to investigate the full scope of both cases. They are also reviewing surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and recent campus crime reports to determine whether these two incidents are part of a larger pattern.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have been a victim or witnessed suspicious activity on or near a campus to come forward. In some cases, victims of public lewdness or sexual harassment do not report the incident due to fear or uncertainty about legal outcomes.
You can report such incidents to the New Jersey State Police or local campus safety authorities:
Campus Safety in the Spotlight
Both incidents have renewed public debate over the safety of college campuses in New Jersey. Although universities do have their own police or security departments, many rely on local law enforcement to handle off-campus crimes. However, with attackers often operating just steps from campus boundaries, many students feel more must be done.
Rutgers, in particular, has dealt with multiple safety concerns in recent years. While the university has invested in security upgrades—like emergency call boxes, improved lighting, and shuttle services—advocates argue that more prevention-based strategies are needed.
A petition is currently circulating among Rutgers students demanding increased surveillance in campus-adjacent neighborhoods and stricter enforcement of restraining orders against known offenders.
Calls for Policy Reform
Experts suggest these cases highlight potential flaws in how New Jersey handles repeat offenders of public lewdness and similar misdemeanors. While current laws do allow for prosecution, the punishment is often light, leading to rapid re-offending.
Advocates are calling for reforms, such as mandatory psychological evaluations for repeat sex-related misdemeanor offenders, longer probation periods, and GPS monitoring for those who pose an ongoing risk to public safety.
“Someone who’s arrested multiple times for exposing themselves clearly needs more than just a slap on the wrist,” said a spokesperson from a local women’s safety advocacy group. “We need policies that protect victims and prevent the next crime before it happens.”