By: Richard L. Smith
A 32-year-old high school teacher from Woodbridge has been arrested following an investigation into the alleged distribution and possession of explicit images of minors.
According to a statement released by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Joseph Severini, of the Fords section of Woodbridge, was taken into custody at his home on Friday, November 13, without incident.
Authorities said the investigation began after New Jersey State Police forwarded a cyber tip to the prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit.
Detective Stenly Vertus conducted the investigation, which led to a search warrant being executed at Severini’s residence.
Following the search, Severini was charged with second-degree distribution and third-degree possession of explicit images of minors.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Linda Estremera and Woodbridge Police Director Joseph Nisky said the investigation remains active.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Vertus at 732-745-8391.
Authorities have not released additional details about the allegations or identified the high school where Severini teaches.