New Hampshire Man Admits to Child Exploitation Crimes in New Jersey
Concord Man Pleads Guilty to Exploitation of a Minor and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
October 14, 2023
NEWARK, N.J. – In a significant development, a man from Concord, New Hampshire, has pleaded guilty today in federal court for his involvement in the exploitation of a minor in New Jersey and possession of child sexual abuse material. U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger and U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young made the announcement.
The accused, Scott Wilkinson, 38, has admitted guilt on one count each of production of child pornography and possession of child sexual abuse material. The plea was made before U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante in federal court in New Hampshire.
As per the documents filed in this case and the statements made during the court proceedings, it was revealed that Wilkinson traveled from New Hampshire to New Jersey in April 2022. During his visit, he engaged in sexual acts with a 12-year-old child. Shockingly, Wilkinson had been in correspondence with the child online for approximately a year prior to his trip. The investigation uncovered a video on Wilkinson’s cell phone that he had created, depicting himself engaged in sexual acts with the child. Additionally, various other images and videos of child sexual abuse material were discovered.
The production of child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 15 years, with a maximum sentence of 30 years. On the other hand, the possession of child pornography charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. However, if the court determines that the defendant possessed child pornography involving a child under the age of 12, the maximum sentence can be extended to 20 years. Furthermore, Wilkinson faces fines of up to $250,000 on each count.
The successful outcome of this case is attributed to the diligent efforts of the special agents from the FBI Newark Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the guidance of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, as well as the Egg Harbor Township Police Department. The Concord Police Department also provided valuable assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Harteis and Kasey Weiland from the District of New Jersey and the District of New Hampshire, respectively, are representing the government in this case.
It is important to note that this case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006. This initiative aims to combat the alarming increase in child sexual exploitation and abuse. It brings together federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit the website.
Defense counsel for Scott Wilkinson is Jeff Levin Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender of New Hampshire.
This case signifies a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to protect children from exploitation and abuse. The guilty plea serves as a reminder that those who engage in such heinous crimes will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
—
Note: The news article has been rewritten to enhance complexity and sentence variations while maintaining a formal tone.
