East Newark man charged after allegedly exploiting Ohio child through Roblox
Authorities allege 19-year-old contacted juvenile through Roblox and instructed her to create explicit material.
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An East Newark man has been charged following a child sexual abuse material investigation that authorities say began with information provided by police in Ohio.
Benjamin Martes, 19, of East Newark was arrested Friday after investigators accused him of directing a child to create child sexual abuse material and possessing such material, according to the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office.
Prosecutors said the investigation began in June after the Colerain Township Police Department in Ohio contacted the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit regarding an ongoing investigation.
Authorities said that a 12-year-old girl met an individual through the gaming platform Roblox and was instructed to create and send child sexual abuse material. Investigators identified Martes as the person who allegedly contacted the juvenile, prosecutors said.
Authorities also alleged that child sexual abuse material was found on electronic devices belonging to Martes.
Martes was arrested at his home and taken to the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending his first court appearance, according to prosecutors.
