New Jersey

New Jersey Child Porn Sting Nets 40 Arrests, Half From Local Counties

A six-month coordinated operation in New Jersey led to arrests of 40 men on child porn charges, including at least one from each county in the state and nearly two dozen in our area.

Authorities said the lengthy investigation, called "Operation Statewide," is a result of collaboration among the New Jersey State Police, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and dozens of local prosecutors' offices coordinated by the New Jersey Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Of the 40 men arrested, officials said, 37 face charges of child porn distribution. A number of computers police seized in their investigation contained more than 1,000 sexually explicit images of children on them, police said, and one had more than 76,000 files.

"These offenders, by their actions, contribute in a very real and direct way to the cruel exploitation of innocent children, and ta ht is why we remain tireless in our efforts to protect children by locking up these criminals," Attorney General Christopher Porrino said. "The message that Operation Statewide delivers to these offenders is clear: It doesn't matter where you live or whether you think you can hide your crimes by viewing these vile images in the dark seclusion of your home, we're monitoring you on the Internet, and we will track you down and arrest you."

NJ State Police Col. Rick Fuentes said authorities believe the arrests will prevent future sexual abuse of children.

"It's widely accepted that a percentage of those obtaining child porn will be involved at some point in the sexual assault of children," Fuentes said.

Laws enacted three years ago in NJ stiffened child porn penalties, including enhanced consequences based on the numbers of items of child porn possessed or distributed. The law now requires a five-year mandatory minimum sentence with no parole for anyone convicted of distributing 25 or more child porn items, and creates a presumption of prison time for anyone convicted of possessing 100 or more items -- meaning even first-time offenders charged in the investigation will likely serve prison time, officials said.

At least 20 of the men arrested in the sting were found to possess 100 or more items of child porn, authorities said, and nine so far have been charged with distributing 25 or more images.

A Gloucester County man possessed the largest child porn collection found in the operation, police said. John Defay Jr., 47, of Pitman, had more than 76,000 files on his computer, along with "a complete backup system, which doubled the files in his possession," police said. They said a large number of the files were videos.

Authorities said the ages of the those arrested span from 20 to 72, and among the men are a former teacher who taught in Delran, N.J., Bristol Township, Pa. and Philadelphia, an accountant, a school custodian, salesmen and food service workers.

The men from our area arrested in the sting were identified by police as:

  • Thomas Colameco, 24, Salem, charged with possession and distribution
  • Adam Farrington, 37, Cinnaminson, charged with possession and distribution
  • John Rudy, 54, Flemington, charged with possession and distribution
  • John Defay Jr., 47, Pitman, charged with possession and distribution
  • Fabian Maldonado-Espinosa, 31, Lakewood, charged with possession and distribution
  • Anthony White, 30, Lakewood, charged with possession and distribution
  • Esau Rios-Osorio, 27, Vineland, charged with possession and distribution
  • Adolfo Reyes-Aguayo, 38, Flemington, charged with possession and distribution
  • Robert H. Magrann, 51, Maple Shade, charged with possession and distribution
  • Nicholas Puppo, 40, Bordentown City, charged with possession and distribution
  • Robert Cohen, 20, Magnolia, charged with possession and distribution
  • Michael Kushner, 42, Cherry Hill, charged with possession and distribution
  • Christopher Campi, 48, Gloucester City, charged with possession and distribution
  • Alfred Suez, 72, North Wildwood, charged with possession
  • Lawrence J. Venturino Jr., 27, Villas, charged with possession and distribution
  • Gregg Bilarczyk, 58, Mays Landing, charged with possession and distribution
  • Randy G. Hull, 43, South Toms River, charged with possession and distribution
  • Brandon Adelhock, 30, Toms River, charged with possession and distribution
  • Bruce Davis, 55, Whiting, charged with possession and distribution
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