9/19/11: Protecting Kids: New Jersey RCFL Supports Successful Child Pornography Prosecution

A 20-year old New Jersey college student pled guilty in federal court to one count of possession of child pornography. The New Jersey RCFL (NJRCFL) provided computer forensics expertise to investigators and helped trace Buckelew's digital footprints which included downloading child pornography and posting pornographic videos and pictures on a peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing software where others could access them. Buckelew also created a fictitious Internet identity as a 19-year-old female that he used to enter online chat rooms with teenage males who ranged in age from 14 to 16 years. He used the female persona to entice the youths to send naked photos of themselves to him, according to an FBI complaint.

Buckelew, a former "student stacker" once worked in the East Brunswick Public Library in the youth section. After pleading guilty to possessing 600 images of child pornography images on his computer — several were violent or sadistic in nature — he now faces sentencing on December 19, 2011 and could go to prison for 10 years and fined $25,000. Buckelew also forfeited his computer and must register as a sex offender.

It is a federal crime to knowingly possess, manufacture, distribute, or access with intent to view child pornography (18 U.S.C. §2252). To report someone for possessing child pornography, contact your local police department, FBI office, or call the National Center for Missing or Exploited Children's (NCMEC) Cyber tipline on 1-800-843-5678.

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