Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on January 15, 2026, Seth Bowles, 20, of Lacey Township was charged with Distributing Obscene Materials to a Minor, Manufacturing Child Sexual Abuse Material, Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material, Sexual Assault, and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Squad and Lacey Township Police Department revealed that between September 2025 and December 2025, Bowles sent nude photographs of himself to a 15-year-old female, and requested images of child sexual abuse material from the minor. Further investigation revealed that Bowles instructed the minor to engage in sexual conduct and send him videos and photographs of her engaging in that conduct.
On January 15, 2026, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Squad and Lacey Township Police Department executed a court-authorized search warrant on Bowles’ residence in Lacey Township where several electronic items were seized. Bowles was taken into custody at Lacey Township Police Department Headquarters and transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Squad and Lacey Township Police Department for their combined efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).