Rashad Russell, Distribution of Child Pornography, New Jersey 2018

A shocking case of child exploitation has come to light in New Jersey, where a South Carolina man allegedly distributed disturbing images of child sexual abuse.

According to reports, Rashad Russell, 28, was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 6, 2018, on one count of distribution of child pornography. The defendant is scheduled to make his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court.

Between December 2017 and March 2018, Russell allegedly contacted a law enforcement officer working in an undercover capacity through Facebook messenger. The defendant claimed he was willing to travel from South Carolina to New Jersey to meet the undercover agent's purported 8-year-old child for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with the child. On Jan. 8, 2018, Russell sent two images and one video to the undercover officer, including images of prepubescent children being sexually abused.

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

U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited special agents with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael, with the investigation leading to the indictment.

The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Gould of the U.S. Attorney's Office Public Protection Unit in Newark.

Mandatory Facts

• Defendant: Rashad Russell
• Exact Criminal Charges: Distribution of child pornography
• City and State: Newark, New Jersey
• Exact Date: Between December 2017 and March 2018
• Sentence or Outcome: Scheduled to appear in court, charges pending
• Dollar Amounts: $250,000 fine

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/south-carolina-man-charged-distribution-child-pornography