54-Year-Old Plainsboro Man Charged With Producing Child Pornography & Uploading Images To The Darknet
Friday, August 23, 2024, 7:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
NEWARK, NJ.- U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger reported that following an investigation on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, a 54-year-old Middlesex County, New Jersey man was taken into custody and jailed after being charged in connection with the production and possession of child pornography.
Anthony Lagotta, 54, of Plainsboro, New Jersey, was charged in a federal complaint with one count of Production of Child Pornography; and one count of Possession of Child Pornography.
After being taken into custody, Lagotta made his first appearance in U.S. District Court in Newark, New Jersey, and was ordered detained by U.S. District Court Judge Stacey D. Adams.
Information In Complaint
According to information in the complaint, approximately 15 years ago, Lagotta sexually assaulted two children and took photos depicting that abuse. In July 2022, Lagotta uploaded just around 30 of those images to a child website hosted on the darknet.
Evidence Uncovered
On Monday, August 19, 2024, during a search of Lagotta’s residence, federal agents uncovered approximately 700 digital images depicting the sexual abuse of one of the two child victims, including some of the same photos that Lagotta previously posted on the darknet website.
If convicted on the charges, Lagotta could face up to 30 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the Federal Bureau of Investigations Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, New Jersey, for the investigation leading to the charges. U.S. Attorney Sellinger thanked the Plainsboro Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”
