NJ Man Caught With 1,000+ Child Porn Files Faces Judge

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ— A Sussex County man is heading to prison after investigators found him in possession of child pornography, or child sexual abuse materials (CSAM).

Ryan Smith, 25, of Franklin, was sentenced on July 17 after pleading guilty to second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, specifically possession of child sexual exploitation materials.

In September 2025, Smith was arrested after a search warrant of his home was executed, resulting in the recovery of several child pornography materials, police said.

Smith played a role in the solicitation, creation, and distribution of child sexual abuse materials, which exploited victims from New Jersey and other parts of the country, according to investigators.

Authorities said that Smith had more than 1,000 files of child pornography in his possession when he was arrested.

In addition to serving five years in prison, Smith will be subject to the terms of Megan’s Law, must submit a DNA sample, and must pay $3,055 in mandatory fees and
penalties.

Previous Coverage: 2 North Jersey Residents Arrested In Child Porn Crackdown