A Middlesex County resident has been arrested and charged with multiple sexual offenses against a 6-year-old girl, according to an announcement from Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ).
Shakem T. Holmes, 23, of Edison, New Jersey, faces several charges, including first-degree endangering the welfare of a child (manufacturing child sexual exploitation/abuse material) and aggravated sexual assault. Additional charges include attempted sexual assault and sexual assault (both second degree), as well as third-degree charges for possession of child sexual exploitation/abuse material, impairing or debauching the morals of a child, and obscenity to a minor. Holmes appeared in court on October 3, 2025, and is currently detained.
Attorney General Platkin stated, “The age of the victim in this case and the conduct alleged are extremely disturbing. Excellent investigative work in Illinois and by our own Division of Criminal Justice prosecutors and New Jersey State Police led to the arrest of this defendant, who now faces charges that, if proven in court, could keep him in prison for many years.”
DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton said, “The targeting of young children for sexual crimes is abhorrent, and the images of these acts can exist long after the alleged crimes are committed. The Division of Criminal Justice is committed to actively investigating and prosecuting this kind of criminal activity.”
Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, commented, “Protecting our children—our most vulnerable population—is one of our greatest responsibilities in law enforcement. The charges in this case are both disturbing and heartbreaking, but thanks to the exceptional collaboration between our detectives and our law enforcement partners, this individual has been safely removed from our communities. Their tireless efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to seeking justice for victims and ensuring no child endures such harm. The New Jersey State Police will continue to work relentlessly to protect those who cannot protect themselves.”
The case began on July 23, 2025, when New Jersey State Police were contacted by a detective from the East Peoria Police Department (EPPD) in Illinois. The detective reported that a 6-year-old had engaged in online chat on a social media platform on March 30, 2025. The conversation later moved to text messaging with a number allegedly used by Holmes. Holmes is accused of sending the victim sexual videos of adult women and instructing the child to replicate the acts on video and send the recordings to him. The victim’s parents discovered the messages and informed EPPD, which determined that Holmes was living in New Jersey and referred the case to the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
After an investigation, authorities executed a search warrant at a hotel where Holmes was staying and arrested him. Law enforcement seized his phone, a tablet computer, and a laptop computer.
If convicted, Holmes faces significant prison time and fines. First-degree crimes are punishable by 10 to 20 years in state prison and fines up to $200,000. Second-degree charges carry sentences of five to 10 years and fines up to $150,000. Third-degree charges may result in three to five years in prison and fines up to $15,000.
The prosecution is being led by DCJ Deputy Attorney General Conner Ouellette.
