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Husband & Wife Police Officers Charged with Sexual Crimes Against Children
Husband and wife law enforcement officers allegedly produced and distributed child sexual abuse material
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) announced that two law enforcement officers, a husband and wife working in different departments within Mercer County, have been charged in connection with their alleged roles in creating, producing, and distributing child sexual abuse images.
According to investigators, the male officer faces charges of first-degree causing or permitting a child to engage in a sexual act that may be photographed, filmed, or reproduced, second-degree engaging in sexual conduct that would debauch the morals of a child, third-degree possession of fewer than 1,000 images of child sexual abuse, second-degree distribution of child sexual abuse images, and second-degree possession of child sexual abuse images with the intent to distribute. The female officer is charged with second-degree engaging in sexual conduct that would debauch the morals of a child.
“Sexual offenses against children are among the most serious crimes we charge,” said Attorney General Platkin. “It’s especially disturbing when, as in this case, the accused are members of law enforcement. My office works hand-in-hand with the New Jersey State Police and all 21 County Prosecutors to investigate and prosecute those who engage in this conduct. Protecting children from this kind of lasting harm is one of our most important responsibilities.”
The allegations arose on January 28, 2025, when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported a tip involving a mobile messaging platform user who allegedly uploaded and shared newly produced or homemade content depicting child sexual exploitation. The user is accused of distributing multiple media files that included nude images of his wife in the presence of minors. Investigators also cite chat logs in which the suspect allegedly referenced children being present while he and his wife had sexual intercourse. A total of 36 files were reportedly uploaded from an account belonging to the user.
“The Division of Criminal Justice is committed to actively investigating and prosecuting crimes of this nature,” DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton said. “Once produced, these images exist indefinitely and cause immeasurable harm to the victims. We are fortunate to work with our law enforcement partners in bringing perpetrators to justice.”
First-degree crimes carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000.
Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
The prosecution is being handled by DCJ Deputy Attorney General Gina Imperato.
Charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office does not provide defendants’ identifying information when doing so could compromise the anonymity of the children victimized.
