March 4, 2015

Union County, New Jersey Youth Organization Leader Charged with Possessing Images of Child Sexual Abuse

NEWARK, NJ—A Linden, New Jersey, man who was a leader in a boys youth organization and a religious education teacher was charged today with possessing images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Gregory J. Aker, 45, is charged by complaint with one count of possessing child pornography. He is currently in state custody and is scheduled to appear in Newark federal court on March 12, 2015 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Falk.

According to the complaint filed in court today:

Aker was a leader with a boys youth organization and a religious education teacher with his church. On Feb. 22, 2014, Aker was arrested by the Linden Police Department for sexual assault and endangering the welfare of two minor children. After his arrest, law enforcement obtained multiple computers and electronic storage media from Aker’s residence. These devices contained approximately 1,240 images and 43 videos of child pornography, including images of prepubescent children being sexually abused.

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

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited Special Agents with the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Richard M. Frankel in Newark, the New Jersey Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and the Linden Police Department with the investigation.

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

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