Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Luring and Multiple Child‑Sexual Offenses in Morris County

A Boonton‑area man convicted in May 2025 of luring and related charges was sentenced Sept. 26, 2025, to an aggregate 15‑year term under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act provisions.

MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. — A Morris County jury found Brian Stewart, 43, formerly of Clifton, guilty on multiple counts stemming from an internet‑based child‑exploitation investigation, and on Sept. 26, 2025 the Hon. Robert M. Hanna, J.S.C., sentenced him to an aggregate 15 years in New Jersey State Prison, county prosecutors announced.

Stewart was convicted following a three‑day trial on May 23, 2025. The jury returned guilty verdicts on:

• Three counts (second degree) — Luring,

• Two counts (third degree) — Endangering the Welfare of a Child,

• One count (second degree) — Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and

• Four counts (second degree) — Attempted Aggravated Sexual Assault.

Because the convictions for Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Attempted Aggravated Sexual Assault fall under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA), Stewart is ineligible for parole until he has served 85% of his sentence. Upon release, he will be subject to Megan’s Law registration and Parole Supervision for Life. Stewart remained in custody from his arrest through the time of sentencing.

The Case and Investigation

The criminal investigation began after the Boonton Township Police Department received a referral on March 22, 2024, alleging child exploitation over the internet. Police investigators determined Stewart engaged in sexual conversations with persons he reasonably believed to be minors and took steps to lure those individuals to a public meeting place with the alleged intent to engage in sexual intercourse.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office credited collaborative investigative work by the Boonton Township Police Department, Boonton Police Department, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Department in developing the case and securing the convictions.

Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll acknowledged the efforts of Assistant Prosecutors Alyssa DiSturco and Samantha Polizzi, Detective Michael Thompson, and other law‑enforcement personnel who contributed to the investigation and successful prosecution.

Legal note: The charges listed are post‑conviction facts in this case; the jury found Stewart guilty on May 23, 2025, and he has been sentenced as described above.