By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in NJ reported that a Somerset County resident admitted to distributing videos and explicit images of minors.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Marcevan Manasse, 28, of Somerville, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court to an information charging one count of distribution of explicit images of minors.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
According to officials, from September 20 through November 22, 2020, Manasse distributed material containing images and video files of explicit images of minors via a publicly available online peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing network of linked computers.
Authorities say law enforcement officers conducted an undercover online session to access the P2P program and to download five video files and 11 images containing the explicit images of minors from an IP address assigned to an internet service provider account associated with Manasse’s residence.
These files included multiple visual depictions of pre-pubescent minors being sexually assaulted by adults, officials said.
The count of distribution of explicit images of minors carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.
According to officials, the sentencing is scheduled for January 23, 2024.