By: Richard L. Smith
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced that Anselmo Girimonte, 53, from Wharton, New Jersey, has pleaded guilty to serious charges involving the possession and distribution of explicit images of minors.
The guilty plea was entered in Newark federal court before U.S. District Judge Julien Xavier Neals following charges stemming from his misuse of online platforms to disseminate harmful content.
Documents and court statements reveal that between December 27, 2021, and January 17, 2022, Girimonte engaged in distributing explicit videos and images of minors through a peer-to-peer file-sharing program.
Undercover law enforcement officers accessed the platform during this period and traced multiple abusive files shared from Girimonte’s internet protocol address.
A subsequent search of his residence on March 2, 2022, led to the discovery of over 100 images and videos on his cellphone depicting severe abuse of prepubescent children.
The charges brought against Girimonte carry severe penalties.
The possession of explicit images of minors can result in up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while distribution has a mandatory minimum of five years, potentially extending to 20 years, along with a similar fine.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 20, 2024, where Girimonte will face the consequences of his actions.