By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Middlesex County announced that a Plainsboro man was sentenced on May 15, for possession of over 100,000 items of Explicit Materials Involving Minors in September of 2022.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone stated that on September 1, 2022, detectives from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and Plainsboro Township Police Department executed a search warrant at the home of Derek McDonough.
This search warrant stemmed from an investigation led by Detective Daniel Lojek of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. It originated from a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, MCPO officials say.
According to Middlesex County officials, several devices, including a laptop, cell phone, and external hard drives, were seized from McDonough’s residence and forensically examined, resulting in almost 2 million photos and videos of Explicit Materials Involving Minors recovered.
These devices were secreted behind McDonough’s washer and dryer. McDonough was charged with first-degree Possession of Explicit Materials Involving Minors and fourth-degree Tampering with Evidence, MCPO officials stated.
Between February 14, 2024, and February 21, 2024, evidence was presented to a jury by Assistant Prosecutor Tina Swenor and former Assistant Prosecutor Rowa Altattan, Middlesex County officials said.
According to Middlesex County authorities, on February 21, 2024, McDonough was convicted by a jury of first-degree Possession of Explicit Materials Involving Minors and fourth-degree Tampering with Evidence.
MCPO officials say that on May 15, McDonough was sentenced by the Honorable Thomas Abode, J.S.C., to an aggregated term of 25 years in the custody of the New Jersey Department of Corrections, subject to 12 years of parole ineligibility.
Upon his release, McDonough must register pursuant to Megan’s Law and will be on Parole Supervision for Life.