New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice announced on Jan. 30 that a husband and wife — both law enforcement officers working in different departments within Mercer County — have been charged in connection with their respective roles in creating, producing, and distributing images of child sexual abuse.
While the attorney general’s office was not more specific, Hamilton Township has identified the law enforcement officers as married, with one working for the Hamilton Police Division and one for the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.
The male officer is charged with causing or permitting a child to engage in a sexual act that may be photographed, filmed or reproduced (1st degree), engaging in sexual conduct that would debauch the morals of a child (2nd degree); possessing fewer than 1,000 images of child sexual abuse (3rd degree); distributing images of child sexual abuse (2nd degree); and possessing images of child sexual abuse with the intent to distribute (2nd degree).
The female officer is charged with engaging in sexual conduct that would debauch the morals of a child (2nd degree).
“Sexual offenses against children are among the most serious crimes we charge,” said Platkin in a media release. “It’s especially disturbing when, as in this case, the accused are members of law enforcement. My office works hand in hand with the New Jersey State Police and all 21 county prosecutors to investigate and prosecute those who engage in this conduct. Protecting children from this kind of lasting harm is one of our most important responsibilities.”
“The Division of Criminal Justice is committed to actively investigating and prosecuting crimes of this nature,” DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton said. “Once produced, these images exist indefinitely and cause immeasurable harm to the victims. We are fortunate to work with our law enforcement partners in bringing perpetrators to justice.”
The AG’s office reported that on Jan. 28, investigators received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that a mobile messaging platform had reported that a user allegedly uploaded and distributed unidentified, possibly newly produced or homemade content, specifically, image and video files of suspected child sexual exploitation/abuse material.
The user allegedly distributed multiple media files containing nude images of his wife in the presence of children. In the chat logs, the suspect allegedly mentioned children being present while he and his wife had sex. The cyber tip line reported a total of 36 files allegedly uploaded from an account belonging to the user.
Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin released the following statement on Friday:
“This week, a Hamilton Township Police Officer and their spouse, a Mercer County Sheriff’s Officer, were arrested on charges of sexual abuse and child endangerment. These actions are not only abhorrent but have also shaken our community’s sense of security and trust in those who are sworn to protect us. While those feelings are understandable, let me be clear: the despicable actions of these individuals do not define our community or the dedication and integrity of the men and women of our Police Department who were sworn to protect us.
“We have taken swift action to ensure our community’s security remains. Working with our Police Chief, we have suspended the officer without pay and are in the process of termination proceedings We have coordinated with our Hamilton Township School District to ensure that child who need support get it. We reflect inward to see whether there is anything we may have missed while also still fully complying and cooperating with the New Jersey State Police and their investigation to ensure that justice is served.
Processing emotions from such a disturbing event takes time — I feel it as much as you do. But my commitment remains as strong as ever – that Hamilton Township be and is a safe place to live, work and raise a family. Thank you.”
Hamilton Police Division chief Kenneth R. DeBoskey also issued a statement on Friday:
“An officer of the Hamilton Police Division was arrested by the New Jersey State Police on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, and charged with a series of extremely serious criminal offenses. That officer is being suspended without pay and served with a notice of termination. The Hamilton Police Division is cooperating fully with the NJSP and I thank the NJSP for acting so quickly on a tip they received on Jan. 28, 2025.
“The off-duty allegations made against this officer do not reflect the values of this agency or of the dedicated and hard-working men and women who put their lives on the line every day for the citizens of Hamilton Township to keep you safe. This agency condemns in the strongest possible terms the alleged actions of this individual and supports the most vigorous prosecution of this case.
As this is an ongoing criminal investigation, the Hamilton Police Division will have no further comment at this time.”
Although the names of the officers have been published in other media, Community News is declining to identify them because of the potential to cause harm to any children who may be involved.
First-degree crimes carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
The prosecution is being handled by DCJ Deputy Attorney General Gina Imperato.
(Hamilton police Facebook photo.),
