Hazlet store employee offered to take explicit photos of minors

A Hazlet man is looking at a possible five-years in prison for offering to take sexually explicit photos of underage girls in exchange for free vaping products.

Police in Hazlet have arrested 41-year old Muhammad Ikram, who is an employee at Sam's 2, which is a convenience store along Palmer Avenue after getting several reports of his alleged inappropriate behavior.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Chris Gramiccioni made the announcement on Monday that Ikram is charged with three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child as well as an additional charge of Selling Tobacco Products to Minors.

The investigation began after minors began reporting that Ikram was taking pictures of them while inside the business in exchange for free merchandise.

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

If you any information contact Detective Nicolas Logothetis of the Hazlet Township Police Department at 732-264-0763.

If you want to remain anonymous but have information about a crime, you 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.

If convicted, the defendant is facing up to 5 years imprisonment 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.

The case is assigned to Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor Danielle Zanzuccki.

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