Owner of Howell T-Shirt Store Charged With Sexually Assaulting A Child

Brian Young, 52 of Freehold, was arrested on Friday and charged with second degree Sexual Assault and third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, according to an announcement by Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Young, the owner of the Big Frog Custom T-Shirts and More franchise on Route 9 in Howell, is accused of inappropriately touching a minor who was in the store.

Chris Swendeman, spokesperson for the Prosecutor’s Office, declined to reveal the age or gender of the minor making the accusation.  He did not say when the alleged incident occurred.

The store’s facebook page is filled with photos of children and teenagers, local youth sports teams, scouting troops and thank you messages from local school classes. The company, and the Young family appear to be supporters of many community groups, youth programs and charities.

Swendeman said he did have any information regarding which attorney is representing Young.  Calls to the business and the Young residence went unanswered.

Investigators are seeking additional information about Young’s activities and are looking to identify other possible victims. Anyone with any information, please contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Thomas Manzo Jr. at 800-533-7443 or Howell Township Police Department Detective Robert Ortenzi at 732-938-4111.

Young is in the custody of the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending his first court appearance. If convicted of the crimes he is charged with, he faces a possible 15 years in state prison and lifetime parole under Megan’s Law.