Collingswood Chef Pleads Guilty In Child Sex Assault Case, Authorities Say

COLLINGSWOOD, NJ — A famous Collingswood chef has admitted to his role in a conspiracy to produce sexually explicit images of two children, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick said on Tuesday. Alexander Capasso, 43, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the sexual exploitation of children.

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.

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.

According to the terms of the plea agreement, if accepted by the court, Capasso faces between 15 and 20 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release. He also faces a potential $250,000 fine and must pay full restitution to the victims.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 20, 2017. He was arrested on July 20, 2015, and has been in custody ever since.

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