Police handcuffs and criminal fingerprints card

Lacey Township man charged with child exploitation offenses following multi-agency investigation

Lacey Township, NJ — A 20-year-old Lacey Township resident has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses related to the alleged exploitation of a minor, following a joint investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Squad and the Lacey Township Police Department.

Seth Bowles was taken into custody on January 15th after investigators executed a court-authorized search warrant at his residence. According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, the investigation revealed that between September and December 2025, Bowles is alleged to have engaged in communications with a 15-year-old female, during which he sent explicit images of himself and requested the minor create and send illicit content.

Authorities allege that Bowles instructed the juvenile to engage in inappropriate conduct for the purpose of creating explicit images and videos, which were then sent electronically.

Detectives seized multiple electronic items from Bowles’ residence as part of the investigation. He was arrested at the Lacey Township Police Department and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he remains in custody pending a detention hearing.

Bowles has been charged with Distributing Obscene Materials to a Minor, Manufacturing Child Sexual Abuse Material, Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material, Sexual Assault, and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not disclosed whether any additional individuals are involved.

As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Key Points

Seth Bowles, 20, of Lacey Township was arrested January 15, 2026, and remains in custody
He faces multiple charges including manufacturing and possession of child sexual abuse material
Authorities allege Bowles communicated with a minor and requested the creation of illicit content

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

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