Feds: NJ Man, Who Worked at a School, Arrested for Child Porn

An Essex County man who was employed as a food services contractor in a high school was arrested on Thursday for distributing images of child sexual abuse.

U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger says 29-year-old Ezra W. Saphire of West Orange has been charged with one count of distribution of child pornography.

According to court documents, from June 9, 2021, through January 22, 2022,

Law enforcement officers used...software to download 1,014 video files and 659 image files containing images of child sexual abuse through the IP address associated with Saphire’s residence. These files included multiple visual depictions of pre-pubescent children being sexually abused by adults.

The count of distributing child pornography carries up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Following an initial court appearance, Saphire was released on home confinement with electronic monitoring.

The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.