Lakehurst Man Collared in Child Pornography Probe

A Lakehurst man believed by Ocean County investigators to be involved in an extensive child-porn exchange is under arrest following a raid of his house early this morning.

Michael R. Allen, 27, is accused of having and actively trading in thousands of degrading and graphic still and moving images. according to the office of Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato.

The two-month probe leading to today's search and apprehension began as a referral to the New Jersey Crimes Against Children Task Force from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, say investigators. Authorities seized 26 pieces of digital evidence at his Maple Street dwelling just after dawn.

High-tech forensic examiners say they found about 1,900 images in a preliminary look at Allen's computer.

Allen is charged with two second-degree counts of distribution and one fourth-degree count of possession. He was placed in the Ocean County Jail in Toms River with bail set at $100,000 and no option for release on payment of 10 percent.