An area man is facing up to 15 years in prison on charges in connection with computer child pornography download and distribution, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced on Tuesday.

Richard M. Baine, 33, of 20 Lakeview Terrace, Eatontown, was arrested and charged with: one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the distribution of child pornography; and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the possession of child pornography, a released statement from the prosecutor said.

The case background … 

Baine was arrested following a two-month-long investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Computer Crimes Unit.

The charges were filed after detectives executed a search warrant at Baine’s home where various computers and personal electronic devices were seized earlier in March.

A forensic examination revealed evidence of child pornography and the use of a peer-to-peer file-sharing program — an online connection of computers allowing the sharing of files directly between the individual users.

If convicted of the second-degree charge, Baine faces a sentence of five to 10 years in prison. He faces an additional sentence of three to five years in prison if convicted of the third-degree charge.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Margaret C. Koping. Baine is represented by Richard Stone, Esq., of Neptune.

— Edited press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office