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9-year-old New Jersey child targeted by online predator via Fortnite chats and explicit media over several months leading to Ohio man’s arrest and sexual assault charges

A 9-year-old child in New Jersey was targeted by an online predator through the video game Fortnite. Bret Templeton, a 21-year-old man from Kenton, Ohio, allegedly sent the victim sexually explicit chats, photos, and videos. The incident occurred over several months before a woman discovered evidence on the child’s devices and reported it to police. Templeton was arrested in Ohio and extradited to Morris County Jail, facing charges including second-degree sexual assault and child endangerment. Hanover Township police urged parents to monitor their children’s use of internet-connected devices and apps.