Samuel Schwinger, Sexually Exploiting Minor, New Jersey 2023

TRENTON, N.J. - An Ocean County man is facing serious consequences after admitting to coercing a minor into producing images of child sexual abuse.

Samuel Schwinger, 37, of Lakewood, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court, in March 2019, Schwinger used an internet-based application to communicate with the victim, who was under the age of 12. Schwinger asked the victim to make sexually explicit videos of the victim and send them to him.

The investigation revealed that from October 2018 through April 5, 2019, Schwinger communicated with more than 25 minor victims for the purpose of producing and distributing sexually explicit material.

U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Cherry Hill under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel in Newark; the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer; and the Lakewood New Jersey Police Department under the direction of Chief Gregory Meyer for their assistance in the case.

The charge of sexual exploitation of a minor carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for June 27, 2023.

Schwinger faces serious consequences for his actions, and the public should be aware of the dangers of online predators and the importance of child safety. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Gasparian, Chief of the General Crimes Unit.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/ocean-county-man-admits-sexually-exploiting-minor