An individual from Ocean County, New Jersey, has been charged with traveling abroad to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.
Jacob Bauer, 28, hailing from Toms River, faces charges as per the complaint for one count of traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and one count of engaging in such conduct in a foreign place. Bauer appeared on April 2, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rukhsanah L. Singh in federal court in Trenton.
Documents and statements presented in court revealed that from December 1 through December 10, 2023, Bauer, then 27, traveled from the U.S. to Norway to engage in sexual activity with a 14-year-old female. While in Norway, Bauer stayed at a hotel and engaged in sexual activity with the minor on at least one occasion. Upon his return to the U.S., Bauer communicated via social media about his activities with the victim, acknowledging her age. Members of an online community, upon learning about Bauer's actions, published his information online.
“Public safety is my number one priority for New Jersey’s residents, and my office is laser focused on protecting children and ending their exploitation at the hands of abusers. The conduct here is as reprehensible as it is egregious: a then-27-year-old male took pains to plan international travel from New Jersey to Norway for the purpose of having sex with a 14-year-old girl. These charges underscore how we are standing up for the most vulnerable, and will not tolerate the sexual abuse of children. I commend our partners at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, law enforcement members at the state and local levels, and our international partners who assisted with this investigation,” U.S. Attorney Alina Habba stated.
"We have federal laws protecting children because they cannot defend themselves,” commented Newark FBI Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly. He stressed that although many investigations remain unnoticed to protect victims' identities, the work of FBI Newark agents and task force officers should be acknowledged for saving children from abuse by predators.
Each charge Bauer faces carries a potential maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Habba expressed gratitude to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, led by Special Agent Terence G. Reilly in Newark, and various other law enforcement agencies for their collaborative efforts leading to these charges. The case is being handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges remain accusations at this stage, and Bauer retains the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Defense attorney: Andrea Aldana, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender
