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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

Sep 1, 2024Hanover Township, New Jersey1 source

Summary

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.

Incident Details

Domain
Child Safety

Harms involving the exploitation, abuse, or endangerment of minors, including CSAM and grooming.

Mechanism
contact
Severity
Minor involved
Platforms
Companies
Recipient
Individuala 9-year-old female child from New Jersey
Dimensions
psychologicalreputationalautonomydiscriminatory

Sources

1

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