Bergen County, NJ, Man Charged With Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography
Federal authorities say a man from Bergen County has been arrested for distributing and possessing videos of child sexual abuse.
U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger says 34-year-old Michael Kimmerle of New Milford is facing one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
According to court documents,
From August 2021 through August 2022, Kimmerle distributed videos of child sexual abuse via a publicly available online peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing program. During the course of the investigation, an undercover law enforcement officer conducted online sessions using the P2P program, during which a user shared multiple videos of child sexual abuse from an IP address traced to Kimmerle’s address.
Officials say a search of Kimmerle's residence yielded thumbnail images containing child pornography on his laptop, "including several images derived from one of the video files Kimmerle previously distributed on the P2P program. They also found the P2P program on Kimmerle’s laptop."
The count of distribution of child pornography carries five to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The count of possession of child pornography carries up to a decade behind bars and a $250,000.
Kimmerle made an initial court appearance on Thursday and he was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond.
The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.