August 18, 2016
A six-month investigation of child porn by multiple law enforcement agencies led to the arrest of 40 men, including at least one from every county and many from South Jersey.
The chief offender is a Gloucester County man, according to authorities, who allege John Defay Jr., 47, of Pitman, had more than 76,000 files on his computer.
Authorities said he had "a complete backup system, which doubled the files in his possession." A large number of the files were videos, according to police.
Of those arrested, 37 face charges of child porn distribution, according to authorities.
Related story: Teacher, three others from South Jersey charged in child porn investigation
Numerous additional computers seized by police during the investigation contained more than 1,000 sexually explicit images of children.
The investigation, dubbed "Operation Statewide," was a collaboration among the New Jersey State Police, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and dozens of local prosecutors' offices.
"These offenders, by their actions, contribute in a very real and direct way to the cruel exploitation of innocent children, and that is why we remain tireless in our efforts to protect children by locking up these criminals," Attorney General Christopher Porrino said.
"It's widely accepted that a percentage of those obtaining child porn will be involved at some point in the sexual assault of children," said New Jersey State Police Col. Rick Fuentes.
Laws enacted three years ago in New Jersey increased child porn penalties, including enhanced consequences based on the numbers of items of child porn possessed or distributed.
The revamped law requires a five-year mandatory minimum sentence with no parole for anyone convicted of distributing 25 or more child porn items, and creates a presumption of prison time for anyone convicted of possessing 100 or more items.
That means even first-time offenders charged in the investigation may serve prison time, according to officials.
Authorities allege that at least 20 of the men arrested in the sting were found to possess 100 or more items of child porn and another nine have been charged with distributing 25 or more images.
The ages of the arrested span from 20 to 72, and among the men are a former teacher who taught in Delran, Burlington County, Bristol Township, Bucks County and Philadelphia, plus an accountant, a school custodian, salesmen and food service workers.
In addition to Defay, the following South Jersey men were arrested and charged with possession and distribution of child porn, police said:
• Thomas Colameco, 24, Salem
• Adam Farrington, 37, Cinnaminson
• John Rudy, 54, Flemington
• Fabian Maldonado-Espinosa, 31, Lakewood
• Anthony White, 30, Lakewood
• Esau Rios-Osorio, 27, Vineland
• Robert H. Magrann, 51, Maple Shade
• Nicholas Puppo, 40, Bordentown City
• Robert Cohen, 20, Magnolia
• Michael Kushner, 42, Cherry Hill
• Christopher Campi, 48, Gloucester City
• Lawrence J. Venturino Jr., 27, Villas
• Gregg Bilarczyk, 58, Mays Landing
Alfred Suez, 72, North Wildwood, was charged with possession of child porn, authorities said.
