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Press Release

Union County, N.J., Man Admits Distributing Images Of Chlld Sexual Abuse Over The Internet

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Jersey

NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County, N.J., man today admitted distributing images of child sexual abuse over the Internet, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

John Ellenbacher, 48, of Linden, N.J., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of distributing images of child pornography over the Internet.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Ellenbacher admitted that between August 15, 2012, and August 21, 2012, he distributed 90 images and 6 videos depicting child sexual abuse to others via email. As part of his guilty plea, Ellenbacher agreed to forfeit the computers and computer accessories he used to commit the offense. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

The distribution of child pornography count to which Ellenbacher pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years, and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for July 8, 2014.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Andrew M. McLees with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Alfonzo Walsman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.

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Defense counsel: Candace Hom Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark                                              

Ellenbacher Information

Updated August 21, 2015