Hazlet Store Clerk Had ‘Inappropriate’ Contact With Minors: MCPO

HAZLET, NJ - A Hazlet convenience store owner was arrested and charged following inappropriate conduct with young customers, authorities said Monday.

Muhammad Ikram, 41, was charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child as well as an additional charge of selling tobacco products to minors, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

According to a news release, the Hazlet Township Police Department received several reports from young customers that the employee was taking pictures of minors in exchange for free items. Ikram also allegedly asked underage girls for sexually explicit photos in exchange for vaping products “on several occasions”, prosecutors said.

Ikram faces up to five years in prison on each charge of endangering the welfare of a child if convicted. He would also be subject to parole supervision for life and required to register under Megan’s Law.

The case is currently under investigation. Anyone with information about Ikram’s activities or other possible victims are asked to contact Det. Nicolas Logothetis of the Hazlet Township Police Department at (732) 264-0763.

Anonymous tips can be sent to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling the confidential telephone tip-line at 1-(800) 671-4400, downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (https://www.p3tips.com/1182), calling (800) 671-4400 or by going to the Crime Stoppers website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.

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