By: Richard L. Smith
Alec Donovan, 26, a youth wrestling coach and referee from Brick has been sentenced to 87 months in prison for distributing explicit images of minors, announced U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
The sentencing took place on March 28, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court, following Donovan's guilty plea to one count of distribution of such materials.
Court documents and statements revealed that between January and March 2021, Donovan engaged in the exchange of multiple images and videos of child sexual abuse via an internet-based application.
These exchanges included extremely disturbing content, featuring pre-pubescent children.
Moreover, Donovan utilized a web-based messaging platform to solicit and share nude photographs with minors, violating not only legal but also moral and ethical standards.
As part of his sentence, Donovan will also undergo 30 years of supervised release, highlighting the severity of his offenses and the judicial system's commitment to monitoring such individuals post-incarceration to prevent future harm.
The case was brought to a close through the diligent efforts of the Newark Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, led by FBI Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy.
The Task Force's involvement underscores the critical role of federal and local agencies in identifying and prosecuting individuals who exploit minors.