Peapack, New Jersey Man Arrested for the distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material

SOMERVILLE, N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman, Jr. and Somerville Borough Chief of Police Dennis Manning announced the arrest of Kenneth Vaughn, age 35, Peapack, New Jersey in relation to the distribution and 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 from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children concerning files depicting sexual abuse and/or the exploitation of a minor via a social media and messaging platform.

Upon receiving this Cyber Tipline Report, an investigation was initiated by detectives assigned to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit. The investigation led to the identification of Kenneth Vaughn as the suspect responsible for distributing and possessing the files depicting the sexual abuse and/or exploitation of a minor via a social media and messaging platform.

Prosecutor McDonald stated on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit detectives, along with members of the Somerville Police Department, executed a Superior Court search warrant at the residence where Vaughn was located and on his vehicle. As a result of the search warrant, electronic devices were seized for further forensic analysis.

On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Kenneth Vaughn was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office. Defendant Vaughn was charged with 2nd degree, Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials and 3rd degree, Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials. Defendant Vaughn was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing on this matter, and was subsequently released pending a future court appearance.

Prosecutor McDonald stated that detectives determined that Defendant Kenneth Vaughn was currently employed as an elementary school teacher in Branchburg, New Jersey. The investigation remains ongoing by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigation Unit.

Prosecutor McDonald, Chief Roman, and Chief Manning request that anyone with information relating to this investigation contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the Somerville Police Department at (908) 725-0331 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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