NJ man accused of child porn distribution

Suzanne Russell | Courier News and Home News Tribune

Show Caption Hide Caption WATCH: NJ Attorney General announces arrest of 19 child predators in Somerset County NJ Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced the arrest of 19 child predators in Somerset County as a result of a joint sting operation.

NEWARK – A 65-year-old Bernards man has been charged with distributing and possessing images of child pornography.

John Schulenburg, of the Basking Ridge section, has been charged with one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said in a release.

Schulenburg appeared Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in federal court, the release states.

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Court documents and statements indicate in July, an undercover law enforcement officer conducted an online session using a publicly available peer-to-peer (P2P) program, which allows internet users to trade digital files. During this session, a user shared multiple files of images of child sexual abuse from an internet address allegedly traced to Schulenburg’s home, according to the release.

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On Wednesday, law enforcement officials obtained a computer from Schulenburg’s residence that allegedly contained hundreds of images and videos of child pornography, including images of prepubescent children being sexually abused, the release states.

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If convicted of distribution of child pornography, Schulenburg faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, and fine of $250,000. The count of possession of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and fine of $250,000.

Suzanne Russell covers crime, courts, and other forms of mayhem from throughout the Central Jersey area for the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey. Contact her at srussell@gannettnj.com