A teacher from Union County, New Jersey, faces charges related to possession of child pornography and the enticement of a minor, as announced by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba. Jack Wilder, 26, from Somerville, New Jersey, was charged with one count of possession of child pornography and two counts of enticement of a minor. Wilder appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court and was detained.
Court documents reveal that in February 2024, Wilder, who taught history at a school in Plainfield, New Jersey, communicated with a minor via a mobile payment app. Through this platform, Wilder allegedly offered payment for sexual activity, and the minor sent him sexually explicit photos. In July 2024, upon returning from an international trip, a search of Wilder's phone uncovered child sexual abuse material and conversations with individuals alleging to be minors.
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba emphasized the case as part of the office’s efforts to protect children in the community, working with law enforcement to bring offenders to justice.
Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark, expressed a commitment to protecting children and ensuring that those in positions of trust are held accountable. He noted, “Our children are the most innocent members of society and they should never be victimized by anyone, particularly by those in positions of trust such as teachers.”
Possession of child pornography could result in a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a fine of $250,000, while each charge of enticement of a minor carries a mandatory minimum penalty of ten years, potentially leading to life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations Newark. This case aligns with Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation. U.S. Attorney Habba credited the investigative work that led to these charges.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey S. Smith from the Criminal Division in Newark represents the government in this case. The charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
