Hamilton, N.J. (PBN) Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri announced Wednesday that an investigation into online child exploitation has resulted in the arrest of a Hamilton Township man.
Nicholas Occhipinti, 31, of Hamilton, NJ, is charged with one count of second-degree distribution of child pornography, one count of third-degree possession of child pornography, one count of second-degree possession with the intent to distribute child pornography, and three narcotics offenses including a first-degree possession with the intent to distribute charge. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Occhipinti pending trial.
Detectives with the prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit recently received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual in Mercer County was distributing child pornography. An investigation was initiated and Occhipinti was identified as a subject.
On Friday, October 6, 2023, members of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations Newark and the Hamilton Police Division executed search warrants at Occhipinti’s Hamilton residence, where detectives seized multiple items of evidentiary value. Detectives also discovered a small amount of methamphetamine, assorted pills and more than 2,000 doses of LSD in the home. Occhipinti was taken into custody without incident.
First-degree crimes carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
Prosecutor Onofri urged anyone with information about suspected improper contact by unknown persons communicating with children via the internet or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children to please contact his Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit at (609) 989-6568 or the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tip line at (888) 648-6007.
