By: Richard L. Smith
An Essex County man has admitted to multiple federal crimes involving the online enticement and exploitation of minors, federal prosecutors announced.
Abdur-Razzaaq Henderson, 29, of East Orange, pleaded guilty in Newark federal court to a three-count Information charging him with two counts related to the production of explicit images involving minors and one count of possessing explicit images of minors.
The guilty plea was entered before Katharine S. Hayden, according to an announcement from Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello.
Court documents and statements made during the proceedings indicate that in April 2023 and July 2023, Henderson communicated via text messages with two separate minor victims who were located outside of New Jersey.
At Henderson’s direction, both minors created and sent him videos depicting sexually explicit conduct.
Prosecutors also stated that Henderson engaged one of the minors in conversations involving the sexual assault of a younger sibling.
Law enforcement officials later recovered a cellphone from Henderson on March 5, 2024.
Investigators found multiple explicit images and videos of minors stored in the device’s “Hidden” photo folder.
As part of his plea agreement, Henderson additionally accepted responsibility for enticing seven other minor victims to produce sexually explicit material.
Each count involving the production of explicit images of minors carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, with a maximum possible penalty of 30 years, along with fines of up to $250,000. 
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
Federal authorities continue to stress the seriousness of online exploitation crimes and the ongoing efforts to identify and protect victims across state lines.