JACKSON – Police in Jackson have charged a 38-year-old male resident of Howell with endangering the welfare of children for possessing items depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of a child.
According to police, at 7 p.m. Nov. 25, Police Officer Tristan Bennett responded to Sapphire Drive to investigate a report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, Bennett observed the 2010 Chevrolet that was the subject of the report, at which time the driver began to leave the area.
Bennett followed the vehicle onto Farmingdale Road and attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop. The driver continued to drive for a short distance before pulling over to the side of the road, according to police.
As the driver pulled over, Bennett observed an object being discarded from the vehicle. Bennett made contact with the driver and retrieved the item he had observed being discarded from the vehicle. Police said the item was a camera.
Police said the camera was searched and multiple images and videos depicting prepubescent males and females involved in sexual acts were discovered. The Howell resident was arrested and placed in the Ocean County Jail, Toms River.
Jackson police continued the investigation with assistance from the Howell Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. During a search of the man’s residence in Howell, multiple electronic devices and electronic storage devices were seized, according to police.
According to Jackson police, at the present time it appears the images were obtained from the internet and there is no indication the Howell resident personally engaged with any children. Police said the investigation is ongoing.
