Burlington County Prosecutor Robert D. Bernardi and Lumberton Police Chief Anthony DiLoreto announced that a Lumberton man has been arrested for possession of Explicit Images of Minors and for engaging in sexual conversations online with underage girls.
Jonathan C. Tyler, 25, was charged yesterday with two counts of Endangering the Welfare of Children and one count of Attempting to Endanger the Welfare of Children.
The investigation into Tyler began with information provided to law enforcement officials by the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children. The investigation revealed that between June 2016 and August 2016 Tyler initiated online sexual conversations with underage girls during which he asked to be sent nude photos and also said he would pay up to $1,000 to have sex.
A Communication Data Warrant was secured for the smartphone used by Tyler during the conversations. A search of the phone revealed images of nude pre-pubescent girls.
Tyler was taken into custody yesterday at the Lumberton Police Department. During a first appearance today in Superior Court, his bail was set at $50,000 with no 10 percent option.
The case will now be referred to a grand jury to be considered for indictment.