A Paterson man is facing serious charges after allegedly distributing and possessing child pornography on multiple messaging platforms, according to U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.
Dwayne Smalls, 25, was charged by complaint and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, Smalls posted messages on certain messaging platforms advertising images and videos of child pornography, including those involving prepubescent minors.
Specifically, he represented that he could provide images and videos depicting child sexual-abuse material (“CSAM”) for a fee.
Law enforcement conducted a search of his cell phone and residence and determined that between August 2023 and October 2023, Smalls distributed CSAM on multiple occasions.
In addition, law enforcement found approximately eleven unique video files containing CSAM on Smalls’ cell phone.
The charge of distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit with the investigation leading to the charges.
She also thanked the FBI Newark’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly for their assistance.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Stern of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Smalls is being represented by Tatiana Nnaji, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender.
Related Federal Cases
- Spencer W. Caudle Charged with Enticing Minor, Child Pornography, New Jersey, 2023 · Texas
- Christopher Budelman, Child Pornography, New Jersey 2022 · New Jersey
- Max Mota Pinho, Child Pornography Possession, Stamford CT, 2024 · North Carolina
- Adrian Grisanti Charged in Child Pornography Scheme · New Hampshire
- Christopher A. Abraham Charged in Child Pornography Case · New Hampshire
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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