TOMS RIVER — A 24-year-old Neptune City man has been charged with sexually assaulting a minor and possessing child sexual abuse material, authorities said. Now investigators believe there may be other victims and they’re urging them to come forward.
Jake Hessels 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, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.
Authorities said the investigation began after Hessels allegedly contacted a minor girl in Manchester Township through Snapchat on April 6. Investigators said the two exchanged sexually explicit photographs electronically before Hessels traveled to Manchester Township, met the victim and engaged in inappropriate sexual activity.
Hessels was taken into custody June 2 by detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at Manchester Township Police Headquarters. He was then brought to the Ocean County Jail.
On June 10, Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels, retired and temporarily assigned on recall, ordered Hessels detained pending trial.
Investigators said Hessels used several apps, including Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram, to communicate with minors beginning in the fall of 2025. Authorities said he also has ties to Morris County.
“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,” Billhimer said.
Billhimer credited the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, the office’s High Tech Crime Unit, Manchester Township police, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Bureau, Neptune City police and the Monmouth County Search Warrant Entry Team with assisting in the investigation.
The charges are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
