Seventh Grade Teacher Charged with Possession of Child Pornography

NEWARK, NJ—A seventh grade science teacher and swim coach at a pre-K through 12 independent day school in New Jersey, was arrested today for allegedly possessing child pornography, United States Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Brian Stern, 34, of Montclair, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of possession of child pornography and had his initial appearance this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Esther Salas.

According to the criminal complaint filed in Newark federal court and statements made in court:

Over the last seven to eight years, Stern downloaded and shared videos and images of child pornography via peer-to-peer file-sharing software—through which others had access to the material on a shared drive. Today, during a search of Stern’s residence in Montclair, federal investigators found videos and images of young children being restrained and sexually abused on Stern’s computer.

The charge of possessing child pornography carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI’s Innocent Images Unit, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Ward in Newark, with the investigation leading to the arrest.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam N. Subervi of the U.S. Attorney’s Office General Crimes Division in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Anyone who has information which may be relevant to this case is encouraged to contact the Newark Division of the FBI at 973-792-3000.

Defense counsel: Michael A. Baldassare