Morris Co. Man Distributed Child Pornography: Prosecutor

LAKE HOPATCONG, NJ — A Lake Hopatcong man possessed and distributed child pornography, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office announced Monday. William Mickel had numerous videos and material depicting the sexual abuse of children, according to authorities.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children first alerted the prosecutor's office about the allegations against Mickel. The 68-year-old possessed the material around Jan. 25 and then distributed it, authorities said.

Mickel was charged April 22 with one count of distribution of child sexual abuse material (second-degree) and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material (third-degree). Authorities took him to the Morris County Correctional Facility.

After formally advising Mickel of the charges against him, authorities released the man. A pre-indictment conference is set for May 31.

Agencies involved in the investigation included the prosecutor's office's Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, the Jefferson Police Department, the Chester Township Police Department, and the New Jersey State Police Task Force on Child Sexual Abuse.