Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 2, 2026, Jake Hessels, 24, of Neptune City, was charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault, Sexual Assault, Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Promoting Obscene Material.
An investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and Manchester Township Police Department revealed that on April 6, 2026, Hessels contacted a minor female victim in Manchester Township via the Snap Chat application. After conversing and exchanging sexually explicit photographs electronically, Hessels traveled to the Manchester Township area where he met up with the victim and engaged in inappropriate sexual activity. As a result of continuing investigation, Hessels was ultimately charged with the crimes referenced above on June 2, 2026; he was taken into custody 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, 2026, the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, J.S.C. (retired and temporarily assigned on recall), ordered that Hessels shall remain detained pending trial.
Further investigation has revealed that Hessels utilized multiple electronic applications – including Snap Chat, Tik Tok, and Instagram – to communicate with minor victims beginning in the Fall of 2025. This investigation has further revealed that Hessels also 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.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Manchester Township Police Department, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Bureau, Neptune City Police Department, and Monmouth County Search Warrant Entry Team, for their combined assistance 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).