NEWARK, N.J. - A Union County, New Jersey, man was arrested and charged with distributing images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Sean Lynch, 21, of Summit, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of distribution of child pornography. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark federal court and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond, with home detention and electronic monitoring.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From Nov. 9, 2022, through Nov. 14, 2022, Lynch allegedly used an instant messaging mobile application to distribute to other individuals 72 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.
The count of distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jose J. Riera, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the Montclair State University Police Department, under the direction of Interim Chief Kieran Barrett, and the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan, for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Fell of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys