Wharton resident faces significant prison time after admitting to possession and distribution of illicit content.

In a disturbing revelation of child exploitation, Anselmo Girimonte, 53, from Wharton, New Jersey, has pleaded guilty to charges of possessing and distributing child pornography. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, following Girimonte's court appearance before U.S. District Judge Julien Xavier Neals in Newark.

The case against Girimonte came to light after law enforcement officials utilized undercover operations to infiltrate a peer-to-peer file-sharing program known for distributing illicit material. Girimonte was identified distributing video files that depicted adults sexually abusing prepubescent children. These activities were traced back to his internet protocol address at his residence.

A subsequent search of Girimonte's home on March 2, 2022, led to the discovery of over 100 images and videos on his cell phone, which included graphic depictions of the sexual abuse of prepubescent children. These findings have resulted in Girimonte facing one count each of possession and distribution of child pornography.

The legal consequences for these offenses are severe. The possession of child pornography could result in up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while the distribution charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and could extend up to 20 years, along with a similar fine. Sentencing is scheduled for August 20, 2024.

This case was driven by collaborative efforts involving Homeland Security Investigations Newark, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Rockaway Township Police Department, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea D. Coleman of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark is representing the government in this prosecution.

As the community reckons with the gravity of these crimes, this case underscores the ongoing challenges and imperative need to combat child exploitation.