TRENTON, N.J. — A Somerset County man previously convicted in child exploitation cases returned to federal court this week after prosecutors accused him of attempting to secretly record underage girls within days of his release from prison and possessing hundreds of child sexual abuse material images.
David Chapinski, 45, of Somerset, New Jersey, was arraigned Tuesday in federal court in Trenton on charges including attempted production of child pornography and possession of child pornography, according to U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer.
Federal prosecutors allege Chapinski completed multiple state prison sentences for prior child-exploitation crimes on Aug. 31, 2025, then allegedly targeted minors again almost immediately after his release.
Prosecutors Say Incidents Happened Within Two Weeks
According to court filings and statements made in court, Chapinski allegedly attempted to film or photograph up the skirt of a 13-year-old girl on Sept. 2, 2025 — just two days after leaving custody.
Less than two weeks later, on Sept. 13, prosecutors say Chapinski secretly recorded under the skirt of a 17-year-old girl before a nearby bystander intervened and detained him.
Top story update, Greenbelt Police Officers Begin 300-Mile Ride to Honor Fallen Law Enforcement in Washington.
Authorities later searched Chapinski’s cellphone and allegedly found hundreds of images containing child sexual abuse material, commonly referred to as CSAM. Investigators also reported finding additional illegal material in online accounts linked to him.
The indictment charges Chapinski with two counts of attempted production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
Prior Convictions Could Trigger Mandatory 35-Year Sentence
Because Chapinski has previous qualifying child-exploitation convictions, federal sentencing laws significantly increase the penalties he could face if convicted.
Prosecutors said the attempted production charges each carry mandatory minimum prison terms that could total 35 years, with a maximum possible sentence of life in prison. The possession charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years.
Each count also carries a potential fine of up to $250,000, along with restitution and additional penalties.
Making headlines, Westmoreland Jury Convicts Delmont Mother in Brutal Beating Death of Adopted 5-Year-Old Son.
Federal authorities emphasized the rapid timeline between Chapinski’s release from prison and the alleged new offenses as a central factor in the case.
Key Points
• Somerset County man accused of targeting minors days after prison release
• Investigators allegedly found hundreds of CSAM images on phone and online accounts
• Prior convictions expose defendant to mandatory minimum 35-year federal sentence
Investigation Involved Multiple New Jersey Agencies
U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer credited the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, with leading the investigation.
Federal prosecutors also acknowledged assistance from the New Brunswick Police Department, the Edison Police Department, and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Belgiovine of the Criminal Division in Trenton.
Now unfolding, Treasury Audit Questioned $1.1 Billion in New Jersey COVID Relief Spending, Flags ‘High’ Risk.
Child sexual abuse material offenses and covert recordings involving minors remain among the most aggressively prosecuted federal crimes, particularly in cases involving repeat offenders. Federal prosecutors frequently seek enhanced penalties when defendants have prior convictions tied to child exploitation offenses.
Case Moves Forward in Federal Court
Chapinski appeared before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi during his arraignment in Trenton federal court. An arraignment is a procedural hearing where a defendant formally hears the charges and enters a plea.
The charges against Chapinski are allegations, and he remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The federal case remains ongoing as prosecutors continue pursuing the indictment and preparing for further court proceedings.
Also happening, Man Stabbed in Back and Chest Inside Harlem Subway Station After Street Dispute, NYPD Says.