Music Instructor Charged With Possession Of Child Porn In Mercer Co.

MERCER COUNTY, NJ – A music instructor who provided lessons to children at a private studio in West Windsor was charged with possession of child porn, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri said.

Jose Sanchez, 58, of Monroe, was charged with third-degree possession of child pornography and second-degree file sharing of child pornography. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Sanchez pending trial, Onofri said.

In September, detectives with the prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit received information from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office that someone in Mercer County was uploading child pornography, Onofri said.

An investigation was initiated and on Oct. 7, and ICAC detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in West Windsor. According to investigation, Sanchez, who provides lessons to children from a private studio in West Windsor, was viewing and sharing child pornography. Sanchez was arrested without incident and his electronic devices were seized for forensic examination, Onofri said.

Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

Onofri urged anyone with information about suspected improper contact by unknown persons communicating with children via the internet or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children to contact his Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit at 609-989-6568 or the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tip line at 888-648-6007.

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