CYBER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY DRAG NET YIELDS ARREST
Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Brick Township Police Chief James Riccio announce the arrest of Steven Stone, 27, of Gloucester Drive in Brick on 1 count of 2nd degree Distribution of Child Pornography and 1 count of 3rd degree Possession of Child Pornography.
In the early morning hours of Thursday (12/15), members of the Ocean County High Tech Crime Unit (HTCU), Brick Township Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant at 930 Gloucester Drive in Brick. The investigation and subsequent arrest was the result of a pro-active “Cyber Child Pornography Drag Net” cast by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s High Tech Crime Unit.
As a result of the search, a forensic examination revealed that Stone was actively downloading and sharing images and movies of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts. As detectives were making entry into the residence Stone attempted to destroy evidence by tearing out the hard drive out of the computer and bending it in half. Despite these efforts the OCPO forensic examiners were able to obtain evidence supporting the above charges.
After review of the submitted investigation, Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman approved the above charges. Bail was set at $100,000 no 10% by the Honorable Judge M. Blaney. Stone was transported to the Ocean County Jail where he was lodged in lieu of bail.
The New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children also provided investigative assistance, as both OCPO and the NJSP were simultaneously monitoring Stone’s illegal activities.
The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Steven Stone
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