Branchburg, NJ – A 35-year-old elementary school teacher in Somerset County was arrested after investigators linked him to the distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material, prosecutors announced.
Kenneth Vaughn, of Peapack, was taken into custody on Tuesday following a probe by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit. Officials said the case began when the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a Cyber Tipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The report flagged files depicting the sexual abuse and exploitation of minors circulating on a social media and messaging platform.
Detectives identified Vaughn as the suspect, leading to a search warrant executed at his residence and vehicle. Authorities seized multiple electronic devices for forensic review. Vaughn was arrested without incident and transported to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.
He has been charged with second-degree distribution of child sexual abuse materials and third-degree possession of child sexual abuse materials. Vaughn was initially held at the Somerset County Jail before being released pending a future court appearance.
Investigators later confirmed that Vaughn was employed as an elementary school teacher in Branchburg Township at the time of his arrest. The prosecutor’s office said the investigation remains ongoing.
Key Points
- A Branchburg Township elementary school teacher was arrested on charges of distributing and possessing child sexual abuse materials.
- Prosecutors said the case began with a Cyber Tipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
- The suspect, Kenneth Vaughn, 35, of Peapack, was released pending a future court appearance.
The shocking arrest has left the community searching for answers.