December 4, 2015

Gloucester County, New Jersey Man Charged with Receiving Images of Child Sexual Abuse

CAMDEN, NJ—A Williamstown, New Jersey, man who was found with 41 computer disks containing images and videos of child sexual abuse was arrested this morning by FBI agents, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Eric Ziegler, 37, of Williamstown, New Jersey, is charged by criminal complaint with receiving child pornography. He is scheduled to appear this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ann Marie Donio in Camden federal court.

According to documents filed in this case:

Beginning in February 2015, law enforcement officers learned that a user of an Internet account registered to a Williamstown residence was linked to an online community of individuals who regularly sent and received child pornography via a website that operated on an anonymous online network. Further investigation revealed that Ziegler, who works from home providing technological support to computer users who work for financial institutions, was utilizing the anonymous network to view and receive images of child sexual abuse.

On Dec. 3, 2015, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Ziegler’s residence. An initial review of the evidence recovered revealed dozens of computer discs containing images of child sexual abuse, including images and video files of adult men engaged in intercourse with prepubescent girls.

The count of receiving child pornography is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The charge also carries a maximum $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge William F. Sweeney in Philadelphia, with the investigation leading to today’s arrest.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D’Aguanno of the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s Office Camden Office.

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