A Wallington man today admitted purchasing live child sex shows from individuals overseas, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.
Stephen Hallett, 66, made his initial appearance and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court to an information charging him with receipt of child pornography and released on $125,000 unsecured bond.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court.
Hallett purchased live child sex shows from individuals located in the Philippines. He admitted that on Feb. 4, 2015, he received a webcam transmission of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Hallett also admitted purchasing live webcam shows of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct on dozens of occasions between 2013 and 2015.
The receipt of child pornography charge to which Hallett pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Hallett is required to register as a sex offender. when he is sentenced on Jan. 11, 2018.
Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Debra Parker in Newark, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Alfonzo Walsman of the U.S. Attorney’s Criminal Division in Newark.