Toms River man admits to distributing child abuse material faces prison time
Toms River, NJ — A 40-year-old man admitted in court to distributing child sexual abuse material after investigators traced online uploads to his home, capping a multi-agency probe that began with a cyber tip.
Justin Thomas pleaded guilty Monday before a Superior Court judge in Ocean County to distribution of child sexual abuse material, according to prosecutors.
The case began when the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about images being uploaded online.
Investigators tracked the activity to an IP address linked to a residence in Toms River, where Thomas was identified as the individual responsible.
On July 31, detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant at the home. During the search, authorities recovered a USB drive from a desk, where an initial forensic review uncovered multiple files containing child sexual abuse material.
Further investigation determined Thomas had been distributing the material through a social media platform.
He was taken into custody and processed at Toms River Township Police Headquarters before being lodged in the Ocean County Jail and later released under state bail reform guidelines.
Prosecutors said they will seek a sentence of five years in state prison with a five-year period of parole ineligibility. The state will also seek parole supervision for life, and Thomas will be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law.
Sentencing is scheduled for a later date.
Key Points
- Toms River man pleaded guilty to distributing child abuse material
- Investigation began with cyber tip and traced uploads to his home
- Prosecutors seeking five-year prison term and lifetime supervision