Collingswood Chef Sentenced On Child Sex Assault Charges

COLLINGSWOOD, NJ — A famous Collingswood chef who has admitted to his role in a conspiracy to produce sexually explicit images of two children has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced on Wednesday.

Alexander Capasso, 44, previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the sexual exploitation of children. He has also been sentenced to a lifetime of supervised release.

His girlfriend, 36-year-old Janine Kelley of Audubon, previously pleaded guilty to the same charge. Kelley, a registered nurse, is the girl's aunt. Her sentencing is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 19.

She entered into a sexual relationship with Capasso in 2010, according to documents filed in the case and statements made in court. Capasso, who formerly owned the Blackbird Dining Establishment, West Side Gravy and Benny's Burger Joint, was accused of expressing an interest in engaging in sexual conduct with children.

For a year, between November of 2011 and October of 2012, police allege Kelley and Capasso took turns recording Kelley engaging in sexually explicit conduct with two children, and photographing Capasso doing the same with one of the minors.

Capasso was arrested on July 20, 2015, and has been in custody ever since.

Image via Shutterstock