Suspect Wanted By Falls Twp. Now Charged In Middletown Indecent Exposure Cases

A man wanted by Falls Township police for indecent exposure at a dollar store is now wanted for similar incidents in Middletown Township.

Anthony Maurice Oates, 30, of Trenton, has been charged by Middletown Township authorities with stalking, indecent exposure, open lewdness, harassment, and disorderly conduct after two recent incidents.

A woman reported that a man was following her through multiple aisles while she was shopping on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the Michaels Stores on East Lincoln Highway in Middletown Township.

Despite efforts to lose the man, who was identified as Oates, the woman told officers the man continued to follow about 10 feet behind her while playing with his shorts with his hands near his genitals, according to police.

The woman left the business and later spotted Oates near her vehicle in the parking lot, police said.

Security camera footage reviewed by investigators showed the suspect following the woman out of the store within three seconds of her departure, police said.

The second Middletown Township incident happened at the same store the following day, Wednesday, Aug. 5.

Another shopper reported seeing a man standing roughly 6 feet away from her, staring at her while exposing his penis, police said.

When the woman shouted for help, the suspect fled the premises, police said.

Investigators identified Oates as the suspect in both encounters, according to court papers.

Oates is wanted by the Falls Township Police Department for a similar incident at a Dollar Tree location on Plaza Boulevard in the Morrisville section.

Falls Township police believe the incidents are connected to a trend known as “gooning,” which involves people exposing or fondling themselves inside retail businesses.

Middletown Township police Lt. Steve Forman said Bucks County authorities are working with New Jersey police to locate and arrest Oates.

Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The story was compiled using information from police and public court documents.