Neptune City man charged with child sex offenses; investigators say he has ties to Morris County
MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Ocean County) — A Neptune City man has been charged with multiple child sex offenses after investigators allege he used social media applications to communicate with a minor before engaging in sexual activity with the victim, and authorities now believe there may be additional victims.
Jake Hessels, 24, of Neptune City, was charged 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 Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.
Authorities said an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the Manchester Township Police Department determined that Hessels contacted a minor girl in Manchester Township through Snapchat on April 6, 2026.
According to prosecutors, after exchanging sexually explicit photographs electronically, Hessels traveled to Manchester Township, where investigators allege he met the victim and engaged in inappropriate sexual activity.
Hessels was arrested June 2 by detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at Manchester Township Police Headquarters and transported to the Ocean County Jail.
On June 10, Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels, serving on recall, ordered Hessels detained pending trial.
Investigators said additional evidence recovered from Hessels’ electronic devices indicates he used multiple social media platforms — including Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram — to communicate with minor victims beginning in the fall of 2025.
Authorities also said the investigation has revealed Hessels has ties to the Morris County area.
“Based upon evidence recovered from Hessels’ electronic devices, we believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone with information concerning this defendant’s illicit conduct is urged to contact the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at 732-506-5323,” stated Prosecutor Billhimer.
The investigation was conducted by 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.
