ICYMI = Franklin Township Man possessing over 300 videos depicting the sexual abuse and/or exploitation of a minor

FRANKLIN TWP., 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 Franklin Township Public Safety Director Quovella M. Maeweather announced the arrest of Jared Kelly, age 34, of Somerset, 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 multiple Cyber Tipline Reports reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children concerning the same individual possessing videos depicting the sexual abuse and/or exploitation of a minor.Upon receiving these Cyber Tipline Reports, an investigation was initiated by detectives assigned to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit. 

The investigation led to the identification of Jared Kelly as the suspect possessing over 300 videos depicting the sexual abuse and/or exploitation of a minor. Prosecutor McDonald stated on Friday, March 7, 2025, detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit, along with members of the Franklin Township Police Department and the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office executed a Superior Court search warrant at Kelly’s residence. As a result of the search warrant, electronic devices were seized for further forensic analysis. On Friday, March 7, 2025, Jared Kelly was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office. Defendant Kelly was charged with 2nd degree, Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials. Defendant Kelly was lodged in the Somerset County Jail and later released. Prosecutor McDonald, Chief Roman, Sheriff Russo and Director Maeweather 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 Franklin Township Police Department at (732) 873-5533 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.