TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A Toms River man has been sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison after admitting to distributing child sexual abuse material, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Ocean County Jail records.
Justin James Thomas, 40, pleaded guilty before Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan to Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material. Ocean County Jail records now show Thomas was committed to custody on Thursday with a projected release date of Aug. 13, 2031.
As part of his sentence, Thomas will serve five years in state prison with a five-year period of parole ineligibility. Upon his release, he will be subject to Parole Supervision for Life and will be required to register as a Megan’s Law offender.
The investigation began after the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reporting that child sexual abuse material was being uploaded to the internet.
Investigators with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Squad traced the activity to an IP address associated with a residence in Toms River. Authorities ultimately identified Thomas as the individual responsible for the uploads.
On July 31, 2025, detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Squad, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the Toms River Police Department, and the department’s Emergency Services Unit executed a court-authorized search warrant at Thomas’ residence.
During the search, investigators seized a USB drive from Thomas’ desk. An initial forensic examination uncovered multiple files containing child sexual abuse material.
Authorities said the investigation further determined that Thomas was distributing child sexual abuse material through his Snapchat account.
Thomas was initially arrested and lodged in the Ocean County Jail before being released under New Jersey’s bail reform law while his case proceeded through the court system.
His guilty plea was entered on April 13 before Judge Ryan. Following sentencing this week, Thomas was returned to custody and is awaiting transfer to the New Jersey Department of Corrections.
- Thomas pleaded guilty to Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material.
- The investigation originated from a cybertip received by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
- Detectives traced the uploads to a Toms River residence.
- A forensic examination of a USB drive recovered during a search warrant uncovered child sexual abuse material.
- Thomas was sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison, must serve five years without parole eligibility, will be placed on Parole Supervision for Life, and must register under Megan’s Law.
FAQ
Who was sentenced?
Justin James Thomas, 40, of Toms River.
What was he convicted of?
Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material.
How did investigators identify him?
The investigation began with a cybertip received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which led investigators to an IP address associated with his residence.
What sentence did he receive?
Five years in New Jersey State Prison with a five-year period of parole ineligibility.
Will he have additional requirements after release?
Yes. He will be subject to Parole Supervision for Life and must register as a Megan’s Law offender.
Sources: Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office; Ocean County Jail records; New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
