By: Najla Alexander
NJ AG officials announced that a Middlesex County man has been arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child, aggravated explicit contact, and other crimes against a 6-year-old girl.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin stated that Shakem T. Holmes, 23, of Edison, is charged with: endangering the welfare of a minor (manufacturing explicit material) and aggravated explicit contact (both 1st degree); attempted explicit contact and explicit contact (both 2nd degree); and endangering the welfare of a child (possession of explicit materials involving a minor), endangering the welfare of a minor(impairing/debauching the morals of a minor) and obscenity to a minor (all 3rd degree).
He appeared in court on Oct. 3, 2025, and was detained, according to NJ AG officials.
“The age of the victim in this case and the conduct alleged are extremely disturbing,” said Attorney General Platkin.
“The targeting of young children for explicit crimes is abhorrent, and the images of these acts can exist long after the alleged crimes are committed,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton.
“Protecting our children—our most vulnerable population—is one of our greatest responsibilities in law enforcement,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.
According to NJ AG officials, on July 23, New Jersey State Police were contacted by a detective with the East Peoria Police Department (EPPD) in Illinois, who advised that on March 30, 2025, a 6-year-old victim was chatting with someone on a popular social media platform. The chat moved to text messaging, using a phone number later found to be allegedly used by Holmes.
Holmes allegedly sent the victim several explicit videos of adult women and asked the victim to repeat the depicted explicit acts while recording herself and then send the recordings to Holmes, NJ AG authorities stated. 
NJ AG officials said the EPPD was informed of this incident by the victim’s parents, who found the messages on the phone. After a preliminary investigation, EPPD determined the perpetrator, Holmes, was living in New Jersey and promptly referred the case to the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
After an emergent investigation, members of the New Jersey State Police ICAC Unit executed a search warrant at a hotel where Holmes was staying and arrested Holmes, NJ AG Officials say. His phone, tablet computer, and laptop computer were seized.