MAPLE SHADE, NJ — A Maple Shade resident is facing a wide range of deeply disturbing charges following a multi-agency investigation into online child exploitation and animal abuse. Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Maple Shade Police Chief Christopher J. Fletcher have announced that Hunter Roy, 26, has been charged with multiple offenses involving the possession and distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), as well as the sexual abuse of animals.

Roy was arrested on May 8 and is currently being held in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly, pending a detention hearing in Superior Court. He is accused of distributing and possessing graphic child exploitation materials, engaging in sexual communication with an underage boy, and recording himself in acts of bestiality.

Charges Against the Defendant

The charges filed against Roy are severe and span several categories:

• Two counts of Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material (First and Third Degree)
• Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (Second Degree)
• Possession of CSAM with Intent to Distribute (Third Degree)
• Debauching the Morals of a Child (Third Degree)
• Possession of Narcotics (Third Degree)
• Animal Cruelty – Sexual Abuse (Fourth Degree)

Investigation Origins and Findings

The investigation was launched after the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) notified the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office of suspicious online activity linked to Roy. Subsequent digital forensics and surveillance revealed that Roy had distributed over 9,000 files of CSAM through online platforms. In addition, it was discovered that he had been communicating in a sexually explicit manner with a minor, sending the underage boy illegal content.

Authorities also uncovered even more disturbing evidence: Roy had created and shared videos of himself engaging in sexual acts with a Rottweiler and another smaller dog. These videos were allegedly traded online for other bestiality content. He now faces charges of Animal Cruelty – Sexual Abuse, a fourth-degree offense under New Jersey law.

Search and Seizure

Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Roy’s Maple Shade residence, where they seized multiple electronic devices. These devices are currently under forensic analysis by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office High-Tech Crimes Unit. The evidence gathered will be presented to a grand jury to determine if an indictment should follow.

Multi-Agency Collaboration

The case has drawn support and resources from several agencies, including:

• Maple Shade Police Department
• Union Beach Police Department
• United States Homeland Security Investigations – Cherry Hill Office

The lead investigator is Detective Tiffany Lenart of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. Roy will be prosecuted by the BCPO Special Victims Unit.

The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office is an active participant in the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children (NJ ICAC) Task Force, a coalition dedicated to protecting children from online predators and exploitation.

Legal Proceedings

Roy remains in custody, and the case is in its early stages. If indicted and convicted on all charges, he faces significant prison time.

Public Reminder

Law enforcement officials emphasize that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This case serves as a sobering reminder of the continued threat of online child exploitation and the importance of vigilance and collaboration in combatting these crimes.

Anyone with additional information related to this case or similar offenses is encouraged to contact the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office or submit tips anonymously.