25 Arrested In NJ Child Porn Possession Sweep
By David Madden, Robin Rieger
HAMILTON, N.J. (CBS) -- A massive sweep across New Jersey has resulted in more than two dozen arrests related to child pornography.
For the second time in two years, law enforcement officials have fanned out across the state to crack down on those who possess child porn.
PHOTOS: Suspects In Child Porn Bust
In this operation, dubbed "Ever Vigilant," 25 people -- including a 17-year-old boy from Cherry Hill -- have been arrested and charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
At a press conference Wednesday morning, New Jersey Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa (below) stressed that this is not a victimless crime.
Chiesa says these images are graphic, showing toddlers to 10-year-olds being raped, making their efforts worthwhile but very tough.
"These videos showed very young boys and girls being sexually molested, most by being subjected to acts of sexual penetration or being coerced into performing sexual acts on others or themselves," he said.
"Tremendously difficult, you monitor that closely and it's a testament to the professionalism of the detectives in this unit," said New Jersey State police detective sergeant John Gorman.
"It turns their stomach, because of the age of the children, because what they're asked to do and because of the fact that there are people out there who have a demand for this stuff," said Chiesa.
He said five of those arrested had direct contact with young children, including two who were regular baby sitters and one who's a registered sex offender.
"Parents entrusted their children to two of these men and these men, at least in their spare time, are watching the rape and torture of children for their gratification," He said.
Chiesa said detectives were able to track down the suspects by viewing the pictures and videos downloaded, viewed and shared by the defendants.
"All of those videos and pictures have a specific and unique digital fingerprint," he explained.
Among those now in custody are six South Jersey men from Sicklerville, Clementon, West Berlin, Mount Holly, Browns Mills and Margate.
At the Clementon home of 34-year-old defendant Ryan Bronchella, a man answered the door but said he had no comment and that Bronchella wasn't home.
The was no answer at an address listed for 38-year-old defendant Brent Ailiff of West Berlin. Chiesa says a field preview of Ailiff's digital storage media revealed hundreds of child pornography files.
State police say ailiff is still in jail n $100,000 cash bail.
Each suspect is facing penalties that could include prison terms of five to 10 years.
Chiesa says this is not the last time New Jersey authorities will be taking such actions. He said the state wants to make sure it gets this issue under control.
