NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County man has been charged with possessing images of Minor Explicit Abuse U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Officials say Joseph Hinksmon, 41, of Cranford, New Jersey, is charged in a criminal complaint with one count of possession of Explicit Images of Minors. He is expected to appear later this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court.
According to the complaint, filed today:
On or about July 24, law enforcement lawfully obtained from Hinkmon’s residence multiple computers and electronic storage media belonging to Hinksmon, which contained approximately 10,000 images and 1,000 videos explicit images of Minors including images of prepubescent children being abused.
The charge of possession of Explicit Images of Minors carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charge.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cymetra Williams of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.