LAKEHURST – Police say a man used social media apps to compel a minor to send him images and engage in conduct that was sexually explicit.
Kevin Van Pelt, 29, of Lakehurst, was charged with one count of online enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual conduct and one count of possession of child pornography, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito.
According to police, he had used online messaging services to communicate with a minor, requesting that the minor send him sexually explicit images. This happened between August and October of 2018.
When he was arrested on the morning of May 1, 2019, he had images of child sexual abuse on his cell phone, police said.
On the morning of Feb. 25, 2020, his case was picked up by the U.S. Attorney’s office. He appeared that afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lois H. Goodman in Trenton federal court and was released on $100,000 unsecured appearance bond.
He is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The charge of online enticement carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
