BEDMINSTER TWP., N.J. – Somerset County authorities announced the arrest of Mr. William H. Maass, Jr., 62, of Bedminster.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) notified the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office of an apparent upload of Explicit Images of Minors.
Officials said an investigation was initiated by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations/Computer Crimes Unit And it revealed that Maass was suspected of uploading numerous sexually explicit images of minors under the age of 18.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on Tuesday, March 23, at approximately 6:35 am, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Detectives, along with members of the Bedminster Township Police Department, executed a Superior Court search warrant at Maass’ residence.
As a result of the search, electronic devices including computers and external storage drives were seized for further computer forensic examination.
An initial forensic examination of these devices revealed images depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse a minor.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that as a result of this investigation, Defendant Maass was arrested without incident at his residence and he was charged with 3rdDegree, Explicit Images of Minors and 3rd degree Possession of Child Erotica. Defendant Maass was processed and released pending a court appearance in this matter
Prosecutor Robertson, Chief Fodor and Chief Rock request anyone with information relating to this investigation to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Special Investigations Unit/Computer Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the Bedminster Township Police Department at (908) 234-0585