MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. — A jury has convicted a 42-year-old former Clifton resident of multiple sexual offenses involving attempted child exploitation, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office announced Tuesday.
Brian Stewart was found guilty on May 23 after a three-day trial of three counts of second-degree luring, two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, one count of second-degree attempted endangering, and four counts of second-degree attempted aggravated sexual assault.
The charges stem from a March 2024 investigation launched by Boonton Township Police following a referral involving online child exploitation. Authorities say Stewart engaged in sexual conversations over the internet with individuals he believed to be minors and attempted to lure them to meet for sexual activity.
Judge Robert M. Hanna presided over the trial and scheduled Stewart’s sentencing for July 25. He remains in custody pending that hearing.
No Early Release Act to apply in sentencing
Stewart’s convictions for attempted endangering and attempted aggravated sexual assault are subject to New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, requiring that he serve at least 85 percent of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
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In addition to prison time, Stewart will be required to register under Megan’s Law and will be subject to Parole Supervision for Life.
The investigation was led by the Boonton Township Police Department in coordination with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit.