In a case that originated in New Jersey, federal authorities uncovered a website that was selling massive quantities of child pornography to people all across the country. The investigation quickly spread to 22 other states, and to date, 125 people have been arrested. Other arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
The website, which has not been named, alerted all subscribers that its content was illegal and warned them to be discreet about their purchases. The site sold photos and videos of children engaged in sexual acts with adults. U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie said that none of the people arrested appear in any of the images obtained from the website, but the investigation is ongoing. He did not say whether or not the site is still in operation, but he described the site’s contents as especially disturbing.
“When I say ‘hard-core’ pornography, I am talking about child pornography that includes images of children as young as six months involved in bondage and sodomy,” Christie said. “This type of depraved conduct is something a civilized society cannot tolerate.”
Among the 125 people arrested nationwide were a Bible camp counselor from Vancouver, Washington; a pharmaceutical researcher in New Jersey; and a Boy Scout leader from Mission, Texas. Officials said that several of the people arrested already have records for molesting or sexually assaulting children. The defendants were charged with either possession or receipt of child pornography.
One of the defendants, a man from San Diego, told officers when he was arrested that he had molested at least eight children over a period of 30 years. He even boasted of his skill at being able to identify particularly vulnerable children to take advantage of. When officers went to arrest another defendant in Sacramento, they found a hand-held video camera containing a videotape of him sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl.
“I’m the father of four young children between the ages of 13 and 3,” Christie said. “This is every parent’s worst nightmare. It is just deeply disturbing to know there are people like this out there in our neighborhoods.”