Marcevan Manasse, 27, of Somerville, New Jersey, is under federal indictment for distributing videos and images of child sexual abuse across a public peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing network. Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced the charge today, confirming that Manasse appeared via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa and was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond.
The criminal complaint alleges that between September 20, 2020, and November 22, 2020, Manasse used a widely available P2P file-sharing program to distribute child pornography. The software, free and accessible online, allows users to upload files to a shared folder on their hard drive—files that others can then search, select, and download directly to their own devices. Each transfer is logged, creating a digital trail federal agents exploited in their investigation.
Using an undercover operation, Homeland Security Investigations agents accessed the P2P network and downloaded 11 images and five video files depicting pre-pubescent children being sexually abused by adults. These files were traced to an IP address assigned to an internet service provider account registered at Manasse’s residence in Somerville.
Manasse is charged with one count of distribution of child pornography, a crime that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000. The charge does not require proof of profit or intent to distribute beyond the act of placing the files in a publicly accessible shared folder—enough under federal law to trigger severe penalties.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited Homeland Security Investigations’ New Jersey Division, led by Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, for building the case. She also acknowledged assistance from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office. The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dong Joo Lee of the Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charge against Marcevan Manasse remains an accusation. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation underscores the federal government’s ongoing crackdown on digital networks used to circulate child sexual abuse material, where even passive sharing can lead to life-altering federal prosecution.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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