By: Najla Alexander
NJ AG authorities announced that a Middlesex County man was charged with possessing, receiving, and distributing explicit images of a minor.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger stated that Francisco Villafane, 37, of Perth Amboy, was charged by complaint with one count of possession, one count of receiving, and one count of distributing explicit images of a minor.
Villafane was arrested on Feb. 12, 2024, made his initial appearance on Feb. 13, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark federal court, and was detained, officials said.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In 2020, officials say, Villafane communicated with a minor victim over a text message.
According to officials, they lost contact, but they communicated again in late 2023.
Villafane exchanged explicit content with the victim and solicited explicit material from the victim, including videos of the victim engaging in explicit acts at Villafane’s request, authorities say.
The charge of possession of explicit images of minors carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, officials say, and the charges of receipt and distribution each carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.