Edison man arrested for serious child exploitation charges following multi-state investigation
TRENTON, NJ – A Middlesex County resident has been arrested on multiple felony charges related to the sexual exploitation of a child, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced.
Shakem T. Holmes, 23, of Edison, faces several first-degree charges, including aggravated sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child through the creation of exploitative material. He is also charged with second-degree attempted sexual assault and possession of prohibited digital content involving a minor.
Holmes was arrested after a joint investigation by the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and authorities in Illinois. The investigation began after Illinois detectives reported online contact between Holmes and a 6-year-old child, which was discovered by the child’s parents and brought to law enforcement’s attention.
Following a coordinated investigation, a search warrant was executed at a hotel where Holmes was staying. He was taken into custody without incident, and investigators seized electronic devices believed to contain evidence. Holmes remains detained following an October 3 court appearance.
The New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice is overseeing the prosecution, with Deputy Attorney General Conner Ouellette assigned to the case. If convicted, Holmes faces potential sentences ranging from five to twenty years in state prison, depending on the degree of each charge.
Attorney General Platkin praised the collaboration between Illinois law enforcement and New Jersey investigators, citing the importance of cross-state partnerships in protecting vulnerable individuals from online exploitation.
All charges are accusations, and Holmes is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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Key Points
- Shakem T. Holmes, 23, of Edison, charged with multiple child exploitation offenses
- Investigation began after Illinois authorities alerted New Jersey State Police to online activity
- Holmes remains detained following his initial court appearance