A 40-year-old Monmouth County man has been arrested on charges for allegedly sending sexually explicit messages to someone he thought was a 14-year-old boy, requesting nude photographs of the “juvenile” who was actually an undercover police officer, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced on Friday.

Kenneth Megill, of Route 35 in Wall Township, is charged with: one count of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child for debauching the morals of a child; and one count of third-degree promoting obscenity to a minor. 

According to authorities, Megill used an online dating platform to attempt to send sexually explicit messages to someone he believed was a 14-year-old male high school student and requested nude photographs of the teen.

Megill was arrested and charged following an investigation by the Wall Township Police Department, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. 

If convicted of the third-degree crimes, Megill faces a sentence of up to five years in a New Jersey state prison on each charge. Upon his release from prison, he would be subject to the provisions of Megan’s Law and parole supervision for life. 

Investigators are seeking additional information about Megill’s activities and looking to identify other possible victims. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Anthony Lacher of the Wall Township Police Department at 732-449-4500 extension 1186, or Detective Thomas Manzo of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-431-7160 extension 3028.

Anyone who wishes to make an anonymous report can call the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential tip-line at 1-800-671-4400. Tipsters can also text “MONMOUTH” and their tip to 274637 or they can email a tip via the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com. 

— Edited press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office