Story by Ethan
On August 1st, 2025, the arrest of Justin Thomas, age 39, was announced by Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Justin Thomas was charged with Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material. The arrest and charges against Justin Thomas were a result of an investigation launched by Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services Unit, New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploiting Children about an individual uploading pictures of child sexual abuse material on the internet. An investigation revealed an IP address being used to upload the photos online. The IP address was linked back to a residence in Toms River, New Jersey, being the residence of Justin Thomas. Detectives identified Justin Thomas as the individual using the aforementioned IP address on the internet to upload the child sexual abuse material content. A court-authorized search warrant led to a USB being recovered from Justin Thomas’ desk revealed several items of child sexual abuse material.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office stated that the charges against Justin Thomas are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
