Authorities say a New Jersey man used social media apps to contact underage girls, exchanged explicit images and allegedly met one victim for sexual activity.
TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A 24-year-old Neptune City man accused of sexually assaulting a minor and possessing child sexual abuse material may have victimized additional children, prompting prosecutors to issue a public appeal for information.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Jake Hessels was charged on June 2 with aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, possession of child sexual abuse material, endangering the welfare of a child and promoting obscene material.
According to investigators, Hessels contacted a minor girl from Manchester Township through Snapchat on April 6.
Authorities allege the two exchanged sexually explicit photographs electronically before Hessels traveled to the Manchester Township area, where he met the victim and engaged in inappropriate sexual activity.
Following an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the Manchester Township Police Department, Hessels was arrested and taken into custody at Manchester Township Police Headquarters.
He was transported to the Ocean County Jail.
On June 10, Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels ordered that Hessels remain detained pending trial.
Investigators said evidence recovered from Hessels’ electronic devices revealed he allegedly used multiple social media applications, including Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram, to communicate with minor victims beginning in the fall of 2025.
Authorities also said Hessels has ties to Morris County.
Based on evidence recovered during the investigation, prosecutors believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at 732-506-5323.
The investigation involved the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and High Tech Crime Unit, the Manchester Township Police Department, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Bureau, the Neptune City Police Department and the Monmouth County Search Warrant Entry Team.
The charges are accusations, and Hessels is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Jake Hessels, 24, of Neptune City, is charged with aggravated sexual assault and multiple child exploitation offenses.
- Prosecutors allege he used Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram to communicate with minors.
- Authorities believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.