Those in possession of the illegal images can make them available on computers that they control for others to download.Īll 16 of the defendants are charged with distribution of child pornography for allegedly using Internet file-sharing software to make files containing child pornography readily available for others to download from a “shared folder” on their computers. The file-sharing networks used by offenders to distribute child pornography operate in the same manner as websites used for privately sharing music or movies. The files included videos showing pre-pubescent boys and girls being raped or being coerced into performing sexual acts on themselves or others.
Through these and other methods, they identified New Jersey residents who were downloading child pornography and making child pornography available to others in “shared folders” on their computers. Using advanced technology, the investigators searched for telltale digital “fingerprints” of known child pornography, as well as search terms used by those who download and share child pornography. Any defendant found to have possessed 100 or more files of child pornography on his computer will face a presumptive sentence of three to five years in state prison.ĭuring Operation Safeguard, special agents of HSI and detectives of the Division of Criminal Justice and New Jersey State Police monitored several online file-sharing networks that are popular with offenders who download and trade child pornography. If convicted of distributing 25 or more computer files of child pornography – which includes simply having that number of files in a shared folder on their computers, available for other users to download – the defendants will face a mandatory minimum state prison sentence of five years without possibility of parole. All of them are charged under New Jersey’s strict 2013 child pornography law, which enhanced the penalties for those who possess, distribute or manufacture child pornography. The 16 defendants range in age from 17 to 72. “HSI special agents will continue to work tirelessly with our state and local partners in operations like this one to track down the perpetrators of these terrible crimes and ensure that they face prosecution.” Opiola, Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations in Newark. “Distribution of child pornography steals the innocence of children and destroys lives,” said Terence S. “With these operations, we’re putting child pornography users on notice that we have infiltrated their file-sharing networks and chat rooms, and we will trace these crimes right to their doors.” “By sharing and recirculating videos of child pornography, these offenders perpetually re-victimize the innocent children who are sexually assaulted to produce them,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. Through sweeps like Operation Safeguard, we send a powerful message that these are very serious crimes and we are determined to put those who commit them behind bars.” “By viewing and distributing child pornography, particularly the child rape videos targeted in this operation, these offenders directly motivate and put themselves in league with the predators who torture children to create these repulsive materials. “These defendants come from all walks of life, but they allegedly share a depraved desire to see children being raped and sexually exploited,” said Acting Attorney General Lougy. 10 and March 31, include the following cases: The New Jersey State Police assisted with the investigation, and numerous local police departments and county prosecutors’ offices assisted with the arrests.Īll 16 defendants were charged with second-degree distribution of child pornography, which carries a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison, and third-degree possession of child pornography, which carries a sentence of three to five years in prison. Acting Attorney General Lougy announced the results of the joint state and federal operation at the State Police Technology Complex in Hamilton with Director Elie Honig of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice and Resident Agent in Charge Richard Reinhold of the Cherry Hill Office of ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
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