TRENTON, N.J. — Marcevan Manasse, a 28-year-old resident of Somerville, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child [censored]ography today, as announced by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp.
From September 20, 2020, to November 22, 2020, Manasse distributed material that contained videos and images depicting child sexual abuse. This distribution occurred through a publicly accessible online peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing network. Law enforcement officers identified five video files and 11 images containing child [censored]ography associated with an IP address linked to Manasse’s residence.
The distribution charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, along with a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for January 23, 2024.
The investigation was led by special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also acknowledged the assistance provided by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.
