Man Arrested in Connection with Maintaining Child Pornography Network in Morris County

The accused allegedly operated a peer-to-peer file-sharing network of child sexual abuse material.

Morris County First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Morris County Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Washington Township Police Chief Jeffrey Almer have confirmed the arrest of 65-year-old John Green of Washington Township. Green is charged with maintaining a peer-to-peer child abuse network and possession of child sexual abuse material.

Green faces one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child for operating a Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Program of Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM), a first-degree offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4B(5)(a)(iii). He also faces one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child for possession of CSAM, a second-degree offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4B(5)(b)(ii).

The investigation was initiated by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit after a potential CSAM was identified on a BitTorrent site in Morris County. BitTorrent is a Peer-to-Peer file sharing network. Upon discovery, the case was referred to the Morris County Prosecutor’s ICAC Task Force of the Sex Crimes / Child Endangerment Unit.

Subsequent investigations unveiled multiple media files depicting alleged sexual exploitation or abuse of minors stored on the BitTorrent site and accessible for download. It was discovered that the BitTorrent was linked to Green's residence, where he resides alone. Further examination of Green's electronic devices led to the discovery of additional suspected CSAM. The preliminary review of Green's computer revealed over 1,000 items of CSAM.

Green was arrested on June 2, 2023, on the above charges and, subsequently, on June 19, was detained at the Morris County Correctional Facility under the Criminal Justice Reform Act.

First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the Hunterdon and Warren County Prosecutor’s Offices, the New Jersey State Police, Washington Township Police Department, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force during the investigation.

Officials encourage anyone with relevant information related to the investigation to contact the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force of the Sex Crimes / Child Endangerment Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at 973-285-6200.

It's important to note that a criminal complaint represents an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.