A 33-year-old Ocean County man has pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing pictures of child sexual abuse as well as trying to lure a 14-year girl from Gloucester County.

U.S. Attorney Phillip R. Sellinger announced this week that Kevin Van Pelt of Lakehurst, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner one count of online enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual conduct, distribution of child pornography, and possession of prepubescent child pornography.

According to Sellinger,

From August 2018 to October 2018, Van Pelt used multiple online messaging services to communicate with a minor victim, including repeatedly requesting that the minor send him sexually explicit images. Van Pelt also distributed images and videos of child sexual abuse over several online social media applications between December 2017 and March 2019. Van Pelt possessed images and videos of prepubescent child sexual abuse on his cellular phone when he was arrested by local authorities on May 1, 2019.

Van Pelt, who was a part-time sportswriter at the time of his arrest, faces serious prison time when he is sentenced in July.

  • Online enticement requires a mandatory minimum of ten years to a max of life as well as a $250,000 fine.
  • Distribution of child porn carries a sentence of 5-20 years and a $250,000 fine.
  • Possession of prepubescent child porn up to 20 years and a $250,000 fine.

Official trial documents and charges

District of New Jersey | Ocean County Man Admits Online Enticement of Minor, Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography | United States Department of Justice

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