Christopher Gardiner, Distribution of Child Pornography, New Jersey 2023

Union County man charged with distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography.

NEWARK, N.J. – Christopher Gardiner, a 35-year-old man from Cranford, New Jersey, has been arrested and charged with one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

Gardiner’s arrest comes after an undercover agent engaged him in a conversation on a web-based social media application between March 2018 and June 2018. During this time, Gardiner allegedly posted multiple videos depicting the sexual abuse of children in a chatroom and sent similar videos to the undercover agent directly.

Law enforcement discovered numerous videos of child pornography on Gardiner’s electronic devices when he was arrested at his home. Gardiner has a previous conviction for endangering the welfare of a child and distribution of child pornography in Union County in 2007.

The charge of distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited special agents with the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie, with the investigation leading to today’s charges. The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Barnes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Public Protection Unit in Newark.

Gardiner’s defense counsel is Peter Carter Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender (Newark). The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Related Federal Cases