By: Richard L. Smith
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger reported charges against Mr. Corey Hipscher, 52, of Lodi, for his involvement in producing a video that depicts the sexual abuse of minors and for the receipt and possession of explicit images and videos of minors. 
The charges were made public following Hipscher's initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court on March 26, 2024. He was detained pending further proceedings.
The case against Hipscher unfolds a disturbing series of events spanning from 2020 to August 2023. According to court documents and statements made during the court proceedings, Hipscher engaged in communication with a minor victim residing outside the United States through a social media platform.
During this period, he persuaded the minor to send him images and videos featuring the minor in sexually explicit activities.
The situation took a darker turn as Hipscher initiated contact with the minor's mother, fabricating an online romantic relationship.
This deceitful relationship served as a ploy to facilitate the travel of the minor victim and their family to the United States, specifically to New Jersey.
It was during this visit that Hipscher had explicit contact with the minor and captured explicit photos of both the victim and the victim's sibling.
The legal ramifications of Hipscher's actions are severe. The charge of producing explicit images of minors carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison, with the possibility of extending up to 50 years, alongside a fine of up to $250,000.
Additionally, the charges for the receipt and possession of such materials impose hefty penalties, with the former carrying a mandatory minimum of 15 years to a maximum of 40 years in prison and a $250,000 fine and the latter imposing a sentence of up to 10 years in prison along with a $250,000 fine.
This case serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of exploiting minors and punctuates the legal system's commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation and abuse.