TOMS RIVER, NJ – A Toms River man will spend the next decade behind bars after admitting to distributing thousands of images of child sexual abuse material, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced Wednesday.
According to prosecutors, Edward Lynch, 53, was sentenced by Judge David M. Fritch to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison, with no possibility of parole during that time, following his guilty plea to distribution of child sexual abuse material. Lynch will also be required to register under Megan’s Law and will remain under Parole Supervision for Life once released.
The investigation began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) alerted authorities to online activity involving the downloading of illicit material. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit traced the activity to Lynch’s residence in Toms River.
Detectives uncover more than 1,000 illegal images
On August 24, 2023, detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office, along with Toms River Police and the department’s Emergency Services Unit, executed a search warrant at Lynch’s home. Multiple electronic devices were seized, and forensic analysis revealed more than 1,000 files depicting child sexual abuse. Investigators determined Lynch was responsible for downloading and sharing the material using encrypted online platforms including Telegram, Session, and Wickr Me.
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He was a graduate of Toms River High School North.
Lynch was originally charged with possession of child sexual abuse material and later faced additional charges for distribution in April 2024.
He surrendered voluntarily at that time before being taken to the Ocean County Jail.
- Edward Lynch, 53, sentenced to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison
- Investigation traced over 1,000 illegal images to his Toms River home
- Lynch will remain under Megan’s Law and Parole Supervision for Life
Prosecutor Billhimer credited the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Toms River Police Department, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for their coordinated efforts in the case.
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