Watch CBS News

Atlantic County Man Charged With Distributing More Than 3,000 Pornographic Images Of Children

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ (CBS) – A 37-year-old Egg Harbor Township man has been arrested, accused of distributing and possessing child porn.

Thomas Ballard was arrested after an investigation that began in 2010, when he first came to the attention of law enforcement for allegedly posting numerous comments on a website known for its use by those interested in child pornography. In one post, he wrote that he "trades privately," which police say meant, in context, that he trades pornographic images of children through email as opposed to on the website.

Officials say that between October 2013 and March 2014, Ballard distributed more than 3,000 pornographic images and videos of children. Several included prepubescent girls being bound and tortured with knives pointed at them.

Investigators were able to search Ballard's home and vehicle and seize two personal computers and several cell phones containing the images and videos.

He is now charged with second-degree distribution of child pornography, third-degree possession of child pornography and fourth-degree tampering with evidence.

You may also be interested in these stories:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.