A former teacher from Jersey City, New Jersey, has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography. Matthew Ozol, 40, entered his plea before Judge Evelyn Padin to one count of possession of child pornography.
Court documents and statements revealed that in August 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Ozol’s residence. Investigators discovered text messages dating back to 2022 in which Ozol used encrypted applications to express intentions to sexually abuse children. These communications included participation in a chat group named “Baby Rapist.” Authorities found more than 100 images and 75 videos depicting child pornography on his electronic devices, with many involving the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers.
The offense carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for August 2026.
Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello credited special agents from Homeland Security Investigations Newark, led by Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy, for their work on the investigation.
"This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims," according to information provided by authorities. More details about Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Specht from the Special Prosecutions Division is representing the government in this case.
Defense counsel for Ozol includes Eric R. Breslin and Sarah Fehn Stewart of Florham Park, New Jersey.
