A Freehold Township man was found guilty by a Monmouth County Jury in connection with the 2017 possession and distribution of explicit images of minors, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Thursday.
According to Acting Prosecutor Lori Linskey, James Simmons, 74, of Freehold Township, was convicted on Wednesday, July 20, of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor, Distribution of Explicit Images of Minors and Possession of Child Explicit Images of Minors.
A July 2017 investigation revealed that Simmons was found to be in a possession of a USB thumb drive with over 100 videos depicting the explicit abuse of a minor, along with peer-to-peer file sharing programs from electronic devices located at his residence on Harding Road in Freehold Township.
The New Jersey Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory assisted in the analysis of the electronic devices recovered from the defendant’s residence.
“I am grateful for the collaborative investigative efforts of my office’s detectives, Assistant Prosecutor Dugan, the NJ ICAC Task Force, and the Freehold Township Police Department for their work on this case," Acting Prosecutor Lori Linskey said.
"It is imperative that we continue to do all that we can to protect our most vulnerable citizens, our children, from being victimized in this way."
During the trial, Simmons testified that the materials and files found belonged to his son, who had died prior to Simmons’ arrest.
Simmons faces more than ten years in a New Jersey State Prison. Simmons must also register for Megan’s Law, he will be under Parole Supervision for Life and will have Internet Restrictions when he is sentenced on January 13, 2023.