A Bergen County man was arrested and charged today with distributing images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
According to authorities, Barry Goldstein, 46, of Bergenfield, was arrested at his home. Officials charged him by complaint with one count of distributing explicit images of minors.
Officials say Goldstein made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer this afternoon in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From May 2018 through August 2018, an undercover law enforcement officer (the “UC”) communicated over an instant messaging mobile application (the “IM App”) with Goldstein. The IM App allows users to transmit and receive content after users register a username.
Officials say Goldstein maintained an account on the IM App, which was accessed from Internet Protocol addresses associated with Goldstein’s home.
According to authorities, in May and June 2018, after engaging in explicit conversations with the UC regarding the sexual abuse of children, Goldstein used his account on the IM App to share with the UC multiple files depicting child sexual abuse. On Aug. 29, 2018, law enforcement officers searched Goldstein’s residence, interviewed Goldstein and arrested him.
The count of distributing explicit images of minors carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
The charge and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.