Crime, Regional Interest

Prosecutor: Two Men Indicted on Child Porn & Related Charges

Two Monmouth County men have been indicted on several counts of child pornography and related charges in connection with a string of online incidents that sparked an in-depth investigation in 2018 that culminated in their arrests, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni said on Tuesday.

The charges include multiple counts of possessing and distributing child sexual exploitation images, among others, the prosecutor added.

Brandon Pascoe, 36, of Keyport, and Craig Reeves, 31, both of Long Branch, were indicted on the charges of conspiracy to distribute child sexual exploitation material, distribution of child sexual exploitation material, and other related charges. Pascoe is also charged with two additional charges of endangering the welfare of a child, and one charge of luring, based on conversations he engaged in with a child with whom he had a known relationship.

The charges stem from a joint investigation initiated in 2018 by the Department of Corrections, the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, the Keansburg Police Department, and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

The investigation revealed that Pascoe directed Reeves to send him images of child sexual exploitation through an email system. Further investigation also revealed that Pascoe possessed more than 1000 images involving child sexual exploitation.

Specifically, Pascoe was indicted on: one count of second-degree conspiracy to distribute child sexual exploitation material, second-degree distribution of child sexual exploitation material, second-degree possession with intent to distribute child sexual exploitation material, second-degree possession of child sexual exploitation material, third-degree possession of child sexual exploitation material (more than 1,000 images), second-degree luring, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence and fourth-degree obstruction.

On each of the second-degree charges, Pascoe is facing up to 10 years in New Jersey state prison, up to five years in prison on each third-degree charge, and up to 18 months on the fourth-degree charges. If convicted, Pascoe will also be required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Megan’s Law and be placed on parole supervision for life.

Reeves was indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute child sexual exploitation material, second-degree, distribution of child sexual exploitation material, second-degree and third-degree, possession of child sexual exploitation material, third-degree. Reeves is facing up to 10 years New Jersey State Prison on each of the second degree crimes, and up to five years New Jersey State Prison on the third degree crime. If convicted of Distribution of Child Sexual Exploitation Material, Reeves will be required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Megan’s Law and be placed on Parole Supervision for Life.

In addition to these charges, Amy Smith 51, of Keyport, girlfriend to Pascoe, was also indicted on charges of fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence, fourth-degree obstruction, and fourth-degree hindering apprehension of another. Smith faces up to 18 months in prison each of the fourth-degree charges.

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