Union County Teacher Charged With Child Porn Production: Prosecutors

UNION COUNTY, NJ — A Union County teacher faces multiple charges after federal prosecutors said he produced and received videos and images depicting child sexual abuse.

Michael Hamilton, 51, of Springfield, was charged this week with one count each of production, receipt and possession of child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey.

Prosecutors said Hamilton, a high school teacher, exchanged hundreds of sexually explicit messages, pictures and videos with a minor victim between February and July. According to prosecutors, many of the messages constituted child pornography depicting the victim.

Hamilton appeared in court Friday and will remain in jail, prosecutors said.

If convicted, Hamilton could face a maximum of 60 years in prison as well as a $750,000 fine.

The case was brought forward by Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The FBI and Springfield Police Department assisted with the investigation.