Authorities Conduct Search in Ocean City Residence Linked to Child Exploitation Investigation

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Law enforcement officials executed a search warrant on July 29 at a residence located on the 800 block of Asbury Avenue as part of an ongoing investigation into child exploitation, authorities announced. The operation involved a coordinated effort between the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Ocean City Police Department, the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team, and agents from U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations.
According to a joint news release by Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Ocean City Police Chief William Campbell, the investigation originated from a cyber-tip submitted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The tip indicated that unidentified individuals were involved in downloading and sharing images classified as child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
During the search, authorities seized multiple electronic devices including cellular phones, laptop computers, and video recording equipment from the residence. Despite the significant seizure, no arrests or suspect information have been disclosed at this time. “This remains an active investigation and no charges have been filed as of now,” said Capt. Dan Holt, operations commander for the Ocean City Police Department.
Prosecutor Sutherland emphasized the seriousness with which his office treats cases of child exploitation and pledged to provide updates as further information becomes available. Authorities are also encouraging members of the public to report any tips or information related to child exploitation to the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135, or anonymously via their official website. This case highlights ongoing regional efforts to combat the exploitation of children through the collaboration of local, state, and federal agencies utilizing both investigative and technological resources.