Somerset County Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child Pornography

Marcevan Manasse of Somerville admits guilt in federal court, facing a mandatory minimum of five years in prison for distributing explicit material involving minors.

Morristown, NJ - A Somerset County resident pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography, raising questions about online safety and the role of peer-to-peer networks in facilitating the distribution of illegal material. The admission serves as a dire warning for Morris County residents to be vigilant about online activities in their communities.

Marcevan Manasse, 28, of Somerville, New Jersey, admitted to one count of distribution of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court. According to court documents and statements, Manasse engaged in the distribution of child sexual abuse material from September 20, 2020, through November 22, 2020.

U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced that the material was disseminated via an online peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing network. Law enforcement conducted an undercover operation to access the network and download explicit material from an IP address linked to Manasse's residence. The downloaded content included multiple instances of pre-pubescent children being sexually abused by adults.

The charge against Manasse carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, with a maximum penalty of up to 20 years, and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for January 23, 2024.

The investigation that led to today's guilty plea was credited to special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. U.S. Attorney Sellinger also thanked the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office for its assistance in the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Farhana C. Melo of the Criminal Division in Newark.

The guilty plea serves as a cautionary tale for Morris County residents, emphasizing the need for online safety and awareness, especially as it relates to the well-being of minors in the community. With online platforms becoming increasingly ubiquitous, vigilance against such heinous activities remains paramount.