Hamilton Man Arrested for Child Pornography and Drug Charges
October 11, 2023
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)– Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today that a thorough investigation into online child exploitation has led to the arrest of a Hamilton Township man.
The accused, Nicholas Occhipinti, 31, a resident of Hamilton, NJ, is facing serious charges, including one count of second-degree distribution of child pornography, one count of third-degree possession of child pornography, one count of second-degree possession with the intent to distribute child pornography, and three narcotics offenses, including a first-degree possession with the intent to distribute charge. Recognizing the severity of the charges, the prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Occhipinti pending trial.
The investigation was initiated after detectives from the prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding the distribution of child pornography in Mercer County. Through their diligent efforts, the detectives successfully identified Nicholas Occhipinti as the primary suspect.
On Friday, October 6, 2023, a joint operation involving members of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations Newark, and the Hamilton Police Division was executed at Occhipinti’s residence in Hamilton. During the operation, detectives seized multiple items of evidentiary value, further solidifying the case against the accused. Additionally, law enforcement officers discovered a small quantity of methamphetamine, assorted pills, and an astonishing cache of more than 2,000 doses of LSD within the premises. Occhipinti was apprehended without incident.
If convicted, Occhipinti potentially faces severe penalties. First-degree crimes carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison, along with a fine of up to $200,000. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison, accompanied by a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison, with a fine of up to $15,000.
Prosecutor Onofri took this opportunity to urge individuals who may possess information about suspicious online activity involving the exploitation or abuse of children to come forward. He encouraged them to contact his Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit at (609) 989-6568 or the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tip line at (888) 648-6007.
It is essential to remember that, despite the charges brought against him, Nicholas Occhipinti is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
[Image: Nicholas Occhipinti]
Nicholas Occhipinti, 31, of Hamilton, NJ, is charged with one count of second-degree distribution of child pornography, one count of third-degree possession of child pornography, one count of second-degree possession with the intent to distribute child pornography, and three narcotics offenses including a first-degree possession with the intent to distribute charge. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Occhipinti pending trial.
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