Linden Man Charged With Possession, Distributing Child Porn

LINDEN, NJ — A Linden man was arrested and charged with possession of numerous digital media files depicting acts of child pornography, acting Union County Prosecutor Michael A. Monahan announced.

Marc K. Panchenko, 46, is charged with distribution of child pornography, a second-degree crime, as well as third-degree possession of child pornography.

Following a Special Prosecutions Unit investigation by an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a search was done at Panchenko's Linden home earlier in the week, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Shawn Barnes, who is prosecuting the case.

Multiple computers, cell phones, and electronic storage devices were seized as a result of the search, Barnes said.

Panchenko was taken into custody without incident at that time and lodged in Union County Jail pending a first appearance and detention hearing in Superior Court.

“Child pornography offenses perpetuate the violent victimization of the most innocent members of our society,” Barnes said. “The pursuit and prosecution of these offenders is a high priority for this Office, considering the continued and detrimental impact these offenses have on victims.”

Panchenko could face 5 to 10 years in state prison on the second-degree criminal charges.

(Image via Union County Prosecutor's Office: Marc K. Panchenko, 46, of Linden)

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