FREEHOLD – A Wall Township man was arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child after sending sexually explicit messages to what he thought was a juvenile, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.
Kenneth Megill, 40, was charged with one count of third degree Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child and one count of third degree Promoting Obscenity to a Minor.
According to police, Megill was using an online dating platform to send sexually explicit messages and request nude photographs from to what he believed to be a 14-year-old male high school student.
Megill was arrested and charged following an investigation by the Wall Township Police Department, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
He is facing a sentence of up to 5 years in New Jersey State prison on each charge. Upon his release from prison, he would be subject to the provisions of Megan’s Law and Parole Supervision for Life.
Law enforcement is looking to identify other possible victims. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Anthony Lacher of the Wall Township Police Department at 732-449-4500 extension 1186 or Detective Thomas Manzo of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-431-7160 extension 3028. Anonymous reports can be provided to the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential tip-line at 1-800-671-4400. Tipsters can also text “MONMOUTH” and their tip to 274637 or they can email a tip via the website at monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.
