Man Charged with Transporting and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

Defendant allegedly took photos and videos of child victims, found upon his return from international travel.

A 61-year-old Wilmington resident faces federal charges of transporting and possessing child sexual abuse material, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced. Barry Grant Bevier was charged by complaint with one count of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, after authorities allegedly discovered incriminating images and videos on his phone when he returned from an international trip.

On November 26, 2024, Bevier landed at Newark Liberty International Airport, where law enforcement agents searched his cell phone. According to statements made in court, the device reportedly contained approximately forty-five photographs and twenty-one videos depicting child sexual abuse, including images Bevier had allegedly taken himself. Agents also recovered a “selfie” photo showing Bevier with one of the victims.

If convicted on the transportation charge, Bevier faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years, plus fines up to $250,000 or twice the financial gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater. The possession of child sexual abuse material charge also carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a similar fine structure.

Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited the special agents of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)–Newark, under Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas, for leading the investigation, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New Jersey for its assistance. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor A. Chenoweth, of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark.

All charges in the complaint are accusations only; the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.