A Union Beach man pleaded guilty to distribution of explicit images of minors and possessing a handgun as a certain person not to have a weapon, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.
Officials say Henry Cicerale, 60, of Union Beach, plead guilty on Monday before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge David F. Bauman, to second degree Endangering the Welfare of a Minor (distribution of explicit images of minors) and second degree Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Cicerale faces up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison with a 5 year period of parole ineligibility. He will be subject to Megan’s Law and Parole Supervision for Life.
The plea follows a nearly 11-month-long investigation into online activities that were conducted using a neighbor’s internet account, but ultimately led investigators to the defendant. A subsequent investigation revealed that Cicerale had previously set-up a wireless internet network at the neighbor’s home and was using that network to access, download, and distribute explicit images of minors. A forensic review of Cicerale’s computers and other digital media devices uncovered hundreds of items of explicit images of minors.
Officials say a search of defendant’s home also revealed a handgun which Cicerale was prohibited from lawfully possessing due to his prior criminal record.
According to authorities, Cicerale is scheduled to return for sentencing before Judge Bauman on June 21st.