JERSEY CITY, NJ — A Hudson County man met a boy on an app and told him to sexually assault his little sister and send nude photos, state officials say.
Christopher Drew, 38, of Jersey City, was charged with manufacturing child sexual abuse and exploitation materials, endangering the welfare of a child, and debauching the morals of a child, said the office of New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport on Wednesday.
At a hearing on Tuesday, Hudson County Superior Court Judge Joseph V. Isabella ordered Drew detained, officials say.
Prosecutors say that on Sept. 1, the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation referred a tip about a Discord chat to New Jersey officials.
The tip said that someone using the chat in Alabama had told a child in New Jersey to sexually assault his younger sister.
The child had been already been communicating with and meeting with a man in New Jersey, officials said. Detectives determined that the man told the child to assault his sister and to send him an image of his penis, officials said.
On Sept. 4, detectives searched Drew and his home.
The first-degree charge of manufacturing child sex abuse materials carries a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000, officials said. Second-degree charges carry sentences of up to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
"We must protect children from sexual predators," said Davenport. "The allegations in this case are deeply concerning and underscore the very real dangers children can face online."
"The safety and well-being of children remain among our highest priorities," said Jeanne Hengemuhle, acting superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.
Officials did not respond when asked how the suspect logged in from Alabama, but this story will be updated when more information is received.
The case is being investigated by New Jersey State Police and prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Anton Kiryako.
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