By: Richard L. Smith
Somerset County authorities reported the arrest of Mr. Kenneth Vaughn, 35, Peapack, New Jersey, in relation to the distribution and possession of Explicit Images of Minors. 
According to Prosecutor McDonald, the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force notified the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office of a Cyber Tipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children concerning files depicting explicit contact and/or the exploitation of a minor via a social media and messaging platform.
Upon receiving this Cyber Tipline Report, Prosecutor John P. McDonald stated that an investigation had been initiated by detectives assigned to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit.
The investigation led to the identification of Kenneth Vaughn as the suspect responsible for distributing and possessing the files depicting the explicit contact and/or exploitation of a minor via a social media and messaging platform.
Prosecutor McDonald stated on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit detectives, along with members of the Somerville Police Department, executed a Superior Court search warrant at the residence where Vaughn was located and on his vehicle.
Prosecutor John P. McDonald stated that the results of the search warrant revealed that electronic devices were seized for further forensic analysis.
On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Kenneth Vaughn was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.
He was charged with 2nd-degree, Distribution of Explicit Images of Minors, among other charges.
Vaughn was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing on this matter, and was subsequently released pending a future court appearance.
Prosecutor McDonald stated that detectives determined that Vaughn was currently employed as an elementary school teacher in Branchburg, New Jersey.
The investigation remains ongoing by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigation Unit.