By: Tracie Carter
A Passaic County man has been sentenced to 20 years in state prison after authorities said he secretly recorded minors inside his home and attempted to arrange a meeting with someone he believed was a 13-year-old girl.
According to information released by New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, Bradford Flaker, 43, of Hawthorne, received the sentence after previously pleading guilty to multiple offenses involving the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, along with luring.
State officials said the investigation began on May 21, 2025, when Flaker contacted an individual through a mobile messaging application, believing he was communicating with a 13-year-old girl.
The individual was actually an undercover New Jersey State Police officer.
During their conversations, investigators said Flaker expressed a sexual interest in young girls and eventually arranged to meet the supposed minor at a park in Belmar.
Authorities said Flaker traveled to the agreed-upon location, where he was taken into custody.
Further investigation uncovered 115 videos and 12 images containing child sexual abuse material associated with Flaker’s online account.
Investigators also discovered messages indicating that Flaker had installed hidden cameras inside a bathroom at his residence to secretly record minors.
Attorney General Davenport said the lengthy prison sentence reflects the seriousness of the offenses, emphasizing that protecting minors from sexual exploitation remains a priority for state law enforcement.
New Jersey State Police Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle also credited the coordinated investigation, saying authorities remain committed to identifying individuals who exploit minors and holding them accountable.
The case was investigated by the New Jersey State Police in coordination with the Division of Criminal Justice.