Jefferson Man Sentenced to Three Years for Child Pornography

Investigation began with a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Richard Kattermann, 31, of Jefferson Township, has been sentenced to three years in New Jersey State Prison following his guilty plea to one count of third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material). The sentencing, handed down by the Honorable Claudia Jones, J.S.C., on December 13, 2024, concludes a year-long investigation that began with a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

The case was launched after NCMEC flagged a media file uploaded to Discord, an online social platform, which allegedly depicted the sexual exploitation of minors. A thorough investigation led by the Jefferson Township Police Department, in coordination with the Bernards Township Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, traced the file to Kattermann. He was arrested on February 8, 2024, and later pled guilty to the charges on September 9, 2024.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll commended the investigative teams' collaborative efforts and highlighted the importance of partnerships in combating internet crimes against children. The Jefferson Township Police Department, Bernards Township Police Department, and the Morris County task force worked together to resolve the case.

The Role of CyberTips in Fighting Internet Crimes

The case underscores the critical role that organizations like NCMEC play in identifying and reporting online exploitation. CyberTips often serve as the starting point for investigations, enabling law enforcement to trace and apprehend offenders using digital platforms to disseminate illegal content.

Kattermann’s conviction sends a clear message about the consequences of engaging in the possession and distribution of CSAM. Authorities encourage the public to report any suspicions of child exploitation to law enforcement or organizations like NCMEC.

For more information about reporting internet crimes or accessing resources to combat online exploitation, visit missingkids.org.