Williamstown man arrested on child sexual abuse material charges after cyber tip
WOODBURY, NJ – A 44-year-old Williamstown man was arrested Wednesday after an investigation tied to a cyber tip revealed evidence of child sexual abuse material on his electronic devices, Gloucester County prosecutors announced.
Michael S. Schmitt was taken into custody at his home on August 27 and charged with second-degree distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and third-degree possession of CSAM. He is being held at the Salem County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.
The case began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children submitted a cyber tip alleging that CSAM was being shared through a social media platform. Detectives from the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit executed a search warrant at Schmitt’s home on July 17, seizing multiple devices. A forensic review allegedly uncovered illegal material along with evidence linking the devices to the social media account at the center of the investigation.
If convicted, Schmitt faces up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000 on the second-degree charge, and up to five years and $15,000 in fines on the third-degree charge.
Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns credited the High Tech Crimes Unit for leading the investigation and thanked the Monroe Township Police Department for assisting during the search.
Officials emphasized that the charges are accusations and Schmitt is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Defense counsel has not yet been assigned.
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Key Points
- Michael S. Schmitt, 44, of Williamstown, was arrested August 27 on child sexual abuse material charges.
- Investigators say a cyber tip led to a search of his home, where devices containing CSAM were seized.
- Schmitt faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted; he remains in custody pending a detention hearing.