Crime & Safety

Bergen Man Admits Buying Live Web Shows Featuring Kiddie Sex Abuse

Stephen Hallett, 66, admitted purchasing live shows of kids engaging in sexually explicit conduct dozens of times in 3 years.

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A Wallington man admitted in federal court Thursday to purchasing dozens of live web shows featuring children engaging in sexually explicit conduct over the course of three years, authorities announced.

Stephen Hallett, 66, made his initial appearance and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court to information charging with receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.

Hallett was released on $125,000 unsecured bond.

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Hallett purchased live child sex shows from people in the Philippines, Fitzpatrick said.

Hallett admitted that on Feb. 4, 2015, he viewed a show of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, Fitzpatrick said. Hallett also admitted purchasing live webcam shows of kids engaged in sexually explicit conduct dozens of times from 2013 to 2015, Fitzpatrick said.

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Hallett faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when he sentenced. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 11.


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