Newark, N.J. – A shocking case of child exploitation has come to light in Essex County, New Jersey, with the guilty plea of comic book artist Timothy Yates, 31, of West Orange, New Jersey.
According to officials, Yates distributed thousands of images and videos of child sexual abuse, sparking a nationwide crackdown on child pornography. This disturbing crime has left many in the community reeling, with the possibility of children being exposed to such explicit content.
On several instances in 2016 and 2017, undercover law enforcement officers accessed a publicly available peer-to-peer network and observed a computer with a certain Internet Protocol address logged into the network that was sharing child pornography images and videos. The computer and IP address were associated with Yates, leading to a search warrant at his residence.
Law enforcement officers discovered electronic devices belonging to Yates, which contained thousands of images and videos of child sexual abuse. This horrific discovery has raised questions about the safety of children at comic book conventions, which Yates frequently attended.
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. Sentencing is scheduled for January 14, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael; inspectors with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge James Buthorn; the West Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Abbott; and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina O. Hud of the Criminal Division.
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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