A Linden resident has been arrested and charged with being in possession of numerous digital media files depicting acts of Explicit Images of Minors, acting Union County Prosecutor Michael A. Monahan announced Wednesday.
Authorities charged Marc K. Panchenko, 46, with distribution of Explicit Images of Minors, a second-degree crime, as well as third-degree possession of Explicit Images of Minors.
A Special Prosecutions Unit investigation initiated by an Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force referral led to Panchenko being identified as a suspect, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Shawn Barnes, who is prosecuting the case. Unit detectives executed a search warrant at the defendant’s Walnut Street home earlier in the week, seizing multiple computers, cell phones, and electronic storage devices, Barnes said.
Officials said Panchenko was taken into custody without incident at that time and lodged in Union County Jail pending a first appearance and detention hearing in Superior Court.
“Explicit Images of Minors offenses perpetuate the violent victimization of the most innocent members of our society,” Barnes said. “The pursuit and prosecution of these offenders is a high priority for this Office, considering the continued and detrimental impact these offenses have on victims.”
Convictions on second-degree criminal charges are commonly punishable by 5 to 10 years in state prison.
These criminal charges are mere accusations. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.