TOMS RIVER – A South Toms River man is facing charges of child pornography possession, distribution and endangering the welfare of a child.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced the charges on July 10 and noted the investigation was the result of a referral from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children through the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
The investigation identified Kevin Carrieri, 33 as a suspect in distributing child pornography and attempting to traffic a child for sex.
Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit and South Toms River Police Department executed a search warrant on Carrieri’s residence in South Toms River.
These Detectives seized a smart phone belonging to Carrieri which contained child pornography and during the course of executing the search warrant, they also seized approximately 200 grams of Marijuana packaged for distribution, drug paraphernalia, as well as a prohibited weapon – specifically, metal knuckles.
Carrieri was additionally charged with Possession of Marijuana in an amount Greater than One Ounce but Less than five Pounds with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana in an amount Greater than 50 Grams; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in violation and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon.
He was processed at South Toms River Police Headquarters, and transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledged the efforts of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, South Toms River Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, for their collaborative assistance in this investigation leading to Carrieri’s arrest.
