Child Porn Tips Surge In Union Co. During Coronavirus Quarantine

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Authorities are warning parents to closely monitor their children's online activity as a surge child pornography tips due to the coronavirus quarantine is being reported in Union County.

Within the first month when the stay-at-home order was issued on March 9, Union County Prosecutor’s Office’s Cyber Crime Task Force received 29 tips, up from just 17 in April 2019, according to Sgt. David Nechamkin, the investigative leader of the Task Force.

Acting Union County Prosecutor Lyndsay V. Ruotolo said the surge in Union County mirrors trends seen statewide and across the country. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children recently reported that the number of tips it received exploded from just under 1 million in March 2019 to slightly more than 2 million in March 2020.

"As our children spend more time away from school and friends, going online instead, they unfortunately risk coming in contact with those who will seek to exploit them," said Ruotolo.

Dakeem Stockling, 19, of Elizabeth is the latest to be charged amid the surge. Stockling was charged with second-degree distribution of child pornography and third-degree possession of child pornography, said Ruotolo.

An investigation and search of Stockling's Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat accounts that began in March found that he had in his possession and shared multiple sexually graphic images of a minor, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Patricia Cronin, who is prosecuting the case.

Stockling will appear on June 17 in Union County Superior Court. Stockling is also awaiting sentencing in a separate, similar matter, in which he recently pleaded guilty to charges of third-degree invasion of privacy and fourth-degree cyber harassment.

Stockling could face second-degree criminal charges are commonly punishable by 5 to 10 years in state prison.

The Prosecutor's Office urges any Union County citizens who suspect incidents of child pornography possession or distribution, or any similar crimes, to report them to their local police department. Additionally, any suspected child sexual exploitation, online or otherwise, can also be reported via the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Cyber Tipline (via www.cybertipline.com or 1-800-843-5678).

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