Raritan Borough Man Charged with Child Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials and CDs

RARITAN, N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., Somerset County Sheriff Darrin Russo, and Raritan Borough Chief of Police Thomas Fisher announced the arrest of Joseph Vega Ramirez, age 23, of Raritan, New Jersey in relation to the possession of child sexual abuse material.

Prosecutor McDonald stated that the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force notified the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office of a Cyber Tipline Report provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children concerning the upload of several files depicting the sexual abuse and/or exploitation of a minor via a messaging application.

Upon receiving this Cyber Tipline Report, an investigation was initiated by the detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit. The investigation led to the identification of Joseh Vega Ramirez as the suspect who possessed and distributed files depicting the sexual abuse and/or exploitation of a minor.

Prosecutor McDonald stated that on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit, along with members of the Raritan Borough Police Department and the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office executed a Superior Court search warrant at Vega Ramirez’s residence in Raritan, New Jersey. As a result of the search warrant, electronic devices were seized for further forensic analysis. Also, as a result of this search, approximately thirty-four grams of suspected psilocybin mushrooms and thirty-five suspected Ecstasy (MDMA) pills were also seized from the residence.

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Joseph Vega Ramirez was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office. Defendant Vega Ramirez was charged with 2nd degree, Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials, 3rd degree, Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials, 3rd degree Possession of CDS (Psilocybin Mushrooms) and 3rd degree, Possession of CDS (Ecstasy (MDMA)). Defendant Vega Ramirez was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a court hearing on this matter.

Prosecutor McDonald, Chief Roman, Sheriff Russo and Chief Fisher request that anyone with information relating to this investigation to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the Raritan Borough Police Department at (908) 725-6700 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

NOTE: The charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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