Former Gym Teacher, Roselle Man Who Uploaded Child Porn At School Indicted: AG

ROSELLE, NJ — A Roselle man and former gym teacher in East Orange, who uploaded child porn while at school and ran a pot 'grow house' has been indicted, Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced.

Justin W. Bozinta, 39, of Roselle is suspended from his job as a physical education teacher at Costley Middle School in East Orange.

Bozinta had also been hired by the East Orange School District in 2000 as the head wrestling coach. The district suspended Bozinta after he was initially charged and has filed papers to terminate his employment.

Bozinta was indicted Tuesday, Jan. 31, by a state grand jury on charges of third-degree possession of child pornography, first-degree maintaining or operating a marijuana production facility, second-degree possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, second-degree possession of marijuana within 500 feet of a public park, and fourth-degree possession of marijuana.

Bozinta was arrested on Feb. 13, 2015 by the Division of Criminal Justice, assisted by the Roselle Police Department.

• See Related: Prosecutor: Gym Teacher Uploaded Child Porn At School, Ran Pot 'Grow House' At Home

The investigation revealed that Bozinta allegedly used a computer on school property to upload several images of child pornography to a Google+ photo account.

A search of Bozinta’s Sheridan Avenue home on Feb. 13 also found an external computer hard drive containing several images of child pornography, according to the report.

While searching his home, detectives found a "major indoor marijuana growing operation," Porrino said.

The “grow room” was equipped with a special ventilation system, high-powered lights and chemicals to encourage plant growth. Approximately 40 growing marijuana plants were found, along with packaging materials, according to Porrino.

“It’s shocking that a man who had responsibility for teaching and coaching young students allegedly was uploading child pornography on a school computer and farming marijuana in his home for distribution,” said Porrino. “We’ll see that Bozinta is vigorously prosecuted for his alleged crimes and never again works in a school environment where he could harm children.”

After his arrest, Bozinta was lodged in the Union County Jail with bail set at $275,000, full cash required. He has since posted bail.

Bozinta could face 10 to 20 years in state prison for the first-degree charge of operating a marijuana production facility, including a mandatory period of parole ineligibility of one-third to one-half of the sentence imposed, and a fine of up to $750,000. The charge applies to production of marijuana if it involves more than five pounds of marijuana or more than 10 marijuana plants.

Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.

(Image via Attorney General: Justin W. Bozinta, 39, of Roselle)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.