Former North Jersey Magician Charged With 70 Counts Of Kiddie Porn Possession: Sheriff

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A former Little Falls magician has been charged with 70 counts of child pornography possession after authorities found nearly 200 files of it in his possession, authorities said.

Detectives received information that someone on Highland Avenue in Little Falls was in possession of and distributing computer files containing child pornography; detectives obtained 128 files containing child pornography during the three-month investigation, Passaic County Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik said in a news release.

Authorities executed a search warrant at the house, which revealed that Thomas Sanchirico, 71, a retired magician, was the person responsible for distributing the files, Berdnik said.

Authorities found another 50 files of child pornography while searching electronic devices seized at Sanchirico's home, the sheriff said.

Sanchirico was arrested and charged with 70 counts of possession, distribution and maintaining a file-sharing program for the purpose of storing child pornography, Berdnik said. He was taken to the Passaic County Jail.

"I want to commend the Detectives involved in making this arrest. I also want to thank the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office for assisting in this investigation," Berdnik said. "It is essential, that law enforcement continue to be vigilant regarding the enforcement of laws that protect children from exploitation."

Email daniel.hubbard@patch.com. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.

Photo: Thomas Sanchirico, 71/Courtesy of Passaic County Sheriff's Office