Child pornography is not a victimless crime
A man trusted to shape the minds of New Jersey children is facing a child pornography charge.
49-year-old James Atkinson III is one of seven adults and six juveniles who were brought in on child pornography charges.
The investigation began in late September.
The prosecutor says what cyber crimes investigators found on the mens' computers was graphic and chilling pornography, involving children between the ages of 4 and 14.
"The images depicted as part of this investigation can only be described as disturbing,” said Gloucester Co. Prosecutor Sean Dalton.
The three-month-investigation led police to seven men in Gloucester County, who were arrested for possession or distribution of child porn. One of them is a music teacher at West Deptford High School.
"It just goes to indicate that we have individuals from all walks of life involved in this activity,” said Dalton.
Investigators say James Atkinson III possessed child pornography. He was charged with fourth-degree endangering. The Band leader was arrested and released from jail.
The school district said Atkinson has been suspended and is forbidden on school grounds until the case is resolved.
PDF: West Deptford School Board Statement
"If you believe you can engage and remain anonymous, you're sadly mistaken,” said Dalton.
New Jersey's Attorney General warns parents that most of the men, who she considers predators, were using social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook.
"Child pornography is not a victimless crime. Child pornography ends up on the internet, because there are individuals who are molesting and exploiting children," said New Jersey Attorney General Ann Milgram.
Investigators are working with the National Center for Missing Children to see if they can identify any of the children in the videos.
They say more arrests are likely.
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