By: Richard L. Smith
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of a 55-year-old Lodi man following an investigation into the distribution and possession of explicit images involving minors.
Authorities identified the suspect as Paul D. McErlean, who was taken into custody on Friday, March 27, 2026, after members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit executed a search warrant at his residence.
According to prosecutors, the investigation revealed that McErlean allegedly used the internet to view, download, possess, and distribute files depicting explicit images of pubescent and prepubescent minors.
McErlean has been charged with second-degree distribution of explicit images of minors.
The investigation was conducted under the direction of Chief Jeff Angermeyer.
Officials did not release additional details regarding the scope of the investigation. The case remains ongoing.