North Bergen Man Charged With Child Pornography Offense

Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 4:00 P.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

NORTH BERGEN, NJ.- On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, following an investigation, a 19-year-old North Bergen, New Jersey, man was taken into custody and charged in connection with allegedly possessing video files depicting the sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children.

     According to Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, Andrew Bastida, 19, of North Bergen, was formally charged with second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child for the Possession of Child Pornography. Bastida was taken into custody by Detectives at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Secaucus, New Jersey.

     After being processed on the charges, Bastida was released on a summons complaint, pending his first appearance in Hudson County Central Judicial Processing Court, which is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Charges Stem From A Year Long Investigation

     The charge stems from an investigation that began in April 2024, when Detectives of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a CyberTip that video files depicting child pornography were being stored on an online server. 

     During the course of the investigation, Detectives identified Bastida as the individual who controlled the account where the videos were being stored. During the execution of a court-authorized search, Detectives uncovered over 100 video files depicting child pornography.

“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.”