OCPO CYBER NET CONTINUES TO INTERDICT LOCAL CHILD PORNOGRAPHERS
The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Follow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook. The social media links provided are for reference only. The OCPO does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications. For additional information visit our website at oceancountyprosecutor.org. Please send all press inquiries to Al Della Fave 732-288-7616 (OFFICE) 732-814-7347 (CELL) and [email protected]
Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced the arrest today of Anthony Mauro, 45, of Beachwood for alleged Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s High Tech Crime Unit (HTCU), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Beachwood Police Department teamed up in this latest proactive operation to stop child exploitation.
The arrest is the result of proactive cyber monitoring by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit indicating someone within Ocean County had downloaded images of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts. OCPO HTCU detectives initiated a month long investigation, which led to a search warrant being executed this morning by the partnering agencies at 537 Compass Avenue in Beachwood. The search and subsequent forensic examination of computers located within the residence revealed over 100 movies and images of child pornography.
As a result of the evidence located, OCPO Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman approved charges of one (1) count of 3rd Degree Possession of Child Pornography and one (1) count of 2nd Degree Distribution of Child Pornography. Mauro was taken into custody and lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a first appearance hearing.
Mauro is believed to be a volunteer Youth Team Leader for the Saint Barnabas Catholic Church in Bayville. At this time, the investigation has not developed any connection between the above criminal charges and his volunteer position. If anyone has any information or concerns regarding this case, please contact the OCPO HTCU Det. Kaitlin Mantle at 732 929-2027 Ext. 2740. All information will be treated completely confidential.
The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.