Lakewood Man Admits to Child Porn Distribution, Megan’s Law Violation
Lakewood man Matthew Robles has entered a guilty plea to charges of distributing child pornography and failing to register as a Megan’s Law offender, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Robles is set to receive a sentence of seven years in New Jersey State Prison with a five-year period of parole ineligibility for child pornography distribution, and a concurrent term of three years in NJSP for the failure to register charge. The guilty plea came before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P, on May 15, 2023.
Robles, who is a Megan’s Law registrant and is supervised by the New Jersey Division of Parole, has been found to have been employed at a local Brick Township business establishment without registering or notifying any law enforcement agencies. Since 1994, Megan’s Law has required certain offenders to register with their local police departments whenever they move and/or change their residential address or place of employment.
On July 26, 2022, officers from the division of parole conducted a home visit and found child pornography images on Robles’ cell phone. Robles was then taken into custody and transported to Ocean County Jail for various violations of his parole. Forensic examination of all of Robles’ electronic devices was undertaken by law enforcement. Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit served Robles with a complaint on August 5, 2022, initially charging him with failure to register as a sex offender. He was then served with another complaint on August 8, 2022, in relation to the distribution of child pornography charge. Robles is currently being held in NJSP due to parole violations stemming from these charges and will remain detained until he is sentenced.
Senior Assistant Prosecutor Shanon Chant-Berry and Assistant Prosecutor Natalie Pouch are handling the case for the state, with Prosecutor Billhimer commending the contributions of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Megan’s Law Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, New Jersey Division of Parole, and Lakewood Township Police Department in the investigation leading to Robles’ arrest, guilty plea and eventual state prison sentence.
Megan’s Law, enacted in 1994, was created to monitor the location and activities of convicted sex offenders in an effort to protect the public, particularly children, from re-offense. The failure to comply with the law is considered a serious offense and it is a crime in itself. The law requires the offenders to report annually to law enforcement agencies, verify their address if they move, and report any changes of status, such as changing jobs or attending school. It also requires registration of an offender’s place of employment. Failure to register or comply with the requirements of Megan’s Law can lead to subsequent criminal charges.
The frequency of online child sexual exploitation and child pornography has increased over the years, causing law enforcement agencies to focus on this area more closely. The distribution of child pornography is considered a serious matter and carries heavy penalties including imprisonment and probation. The internet is a global phenomenon, making it difficult for law enforcement officials to track individuals who produce, share, and view child pornography. Advanced technology and expertise are required to analyze content seized during searches, with digital forensics investigators using specialized software and hardware. Ultimately, the hope is that Megan’s Law will continue to serve as an effective deterrent to protect children from convicted sex offenders.
