Atlantic County Ex-Principal Gets 8 Years For Child Porn

ABSECON, NJ — The former Pleasantville High School principal was sentenced to eight years in prison for child-pornography distribution, officials announced Friday.

Edward Bonek, who lives in Absecon, had more than 1,000 images of child pornography, which he downloaded and shared online through his work-issued laptop, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.

Bonek, 50, pleaded guilty in December to distributing child pornography and possession of an assault firearm. He agreed to give up his teaching and principal's licenses in the plea deal.

He must serve five years in state prison before parole eligibility. He will serve a concurrent sentence of five years and then serve 3 1/2 years pursuant to the Graves Act, a New Jersey law that regulates gun restrictions.

Bonek was indicted on the following charges Oct. 23, 2018, according to the ACPO:

• endangering child welfare through distributing child pornography (first-degree)
• endangering child welfare through child pornography possession (second-degree)
• endangering child welfare through possession of child pornography with intent to distribute (first-degree)
• endangering child welfare through distributing child pornography via a file-sharing system (first-degree)
• official misconduct (second-degree)
• unlawful possession of an assault firearm (second-degree)
• unlawful possession of a high capacity ammunition magazine (fourth-degree)

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