NEWARK, N.J. - Special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI)and officers of the Boonton Township Police Department arrested a Boonton Township, N.J., man at his home this morning on a charge that he distributed sexually explicit images of children from his home computer, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Lucas J. Reinmann, 34, is charged by complaint with one count of distributing images of child pornography over the Internet. He appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Dickson in Newark federal court and was released on a $150,000 bond.
According to the criminal complaint unsealed today:
On June 8, 2013, Reinmann distributed videos and images depicting child pornography on the Internet via peer-to-peer file sharing software, which allowed others access to the material in shared directories. An undercover agent discovered and downloaded the images and videos, and the username and IP address of the sharer was traced back to Reinmann’s residence.
ICE HSI special agents, working with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) and the Boonton Township Police Department, executed a search warrant at Reinmann’s home on July 15, 2013, and discovered computer equipment allegedly containing multiple images of child pornography.
The distribution count carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of ICE HSI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Andrew M. McLees in Newark; the MCPO, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp; and the Boonton Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Paul C. Fortunato, with the investigation leading to today’s arrest.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara F. Merin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Edward V. Sapone Esq., New York
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
