Prosecutor: Convenience Store Employee Arrested on Charges of Inappropriate Conduct with Young Customers

A 41-year-old convenience store employee has been arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child after he allegedly engaged in inappropriate conduct with customers who were minors, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced on Monday.

Muhammad Ikram, employee of Sam’s 2, a convenience store located on Palmer Avenue in Hazlet, was arrested on Oct. 28 and charged with three counts of the alleged child endangerment, as well as one for selling tobacco products to minors.

An investigation was launched after Hazlet Township Police Department received several reports from minors that Ikram was taking pictures of them while inside the business in exchange for free merchandise. On several occasions, Ikram allegedly solicited underage girls for sexually explicit photos in exchange for vaping products.

Investigators are seeking additional information about Ikram’s activities and are looking to identify other possible victims.

If convicted, the Ikram could face up to five years in prison on each charge of endangering the welfare of a child and would be subject to parole supervision for life and required to register under Megan’s Law.

Anyone with any information please contact Detective Nicolas Logothetis of the Hazlet Township Police Department at 732-264-0763.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com

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