Prosecutor announces new first-degree charges against Lodi man in ongoing case
Hackensack, NJ – A Lodi man previously arrested in a child exploitation investigation is now facing upgraded and more serious charges after investigators uncovered additional evidence, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutor Mark Musella announced that 55-year-old Paul D. McErlean has been charged with new offenses stemming from an ongoing investigation into the distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Investigation leads to expanded charges
Authorities said the case began on March 27, when members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit executed a search warrant at McErlean’s residence. “The investigation revealed that MCERLEAN used the Internet to view, download, possess, distribute and share items depicting nude and/or sexually explicit pubescent and prepubescent children,” the prosecutor’s office stated.
Key Points
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- Lodi man now faces upgraded charges including first-degree distribution
- Investigation uncovered more than 1,000 depictions of child abuse material
- Suspect remains in Bergen County Jail pending further court proceedings
Following the search, McErlean was initially charged with third-degree possession and second-degree distribution of child pornography and remanded to the Bergen County Jail.
More than 1,000 files discovered
After his arrest, forensic investigators identified additional evidence. “Detectives… identified additional evidence that PAUL D. MCERLEAN possessed and distributed over 1,000 depictions of child sexual abuse material,” officials said.
As a result, on Wednesday, McErlean was charged with second-degree possession and first-degree distribution of child pornography under New Jersey law.
Multiple agencies assisted investigation
Prosecutor Musella noted that the charges are accusations and that McErlean is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. He also acknowledged assistance from several law enforcement agencies, including the Lodi Police Department, New York City Police Department, Hackensack Police Department, Hasbrouck Heights Police Department, Norwood Police Department, and Washington Township Police Department.
McErlean remains in custody at the Bergen County Jail as the case proceeds through the court system.
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