Bridgeton man charged with child exploitation offenses after online investigation
Bridgeton, NJ — A 27-year-old Bridgeton man has been arrested and charged with multiple child exploitation offenses following an investigation by the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, according to an announcement released Friday.
Stephen Pritt, of Cohanseys Street in Bridgeton, was taken into custody on November 20 and charged with:
- Second-degree endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly sharing child sexual abuse material, and
- Third-degree endangering the welfare of a child for possession of child sexual abuse material.
The charges are in violation of New Jersey statutes N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4(b)(5)(a)(i) and N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4(b)(5)(b)(iii), respectively.
The Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit launched the investigation after receiving a tip that someone was using the Kik messaging platform to distribute illicit material. The investigation identified Pritt as a suspect, ultimately leading to his arrest. Prosecutors have stated that they will request pre-trial detention for Pritt.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact Detective Joseph Brown at 856-453-0486, ext. 11111. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the CCPO TIPS online portal.
The Prosecutor’s Office emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Key Points
- Stephen Pritt, 27, of Bridgeton, NJ, was charged with distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material
- The investigation began with a tip about illicit content being shared on the Kik messaging app
- Prosecutors intend to seek pre-trial detention as the investigation continues