LAKEHURST – A local man has admitted that he tried to get a minor to send him sexually explicit images and engage in sexually explicit conduct over an online messaging service, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Kevin Van Pelt, 33, of Lakehurst, pleaded guilty to one count each of online enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual conduct, distribution of child pornography, and possession of prepubescent child pornography.
Police said that he distributed images and videos of child sexual abuse over several online social media applications between December 2017 and March 2019. In 2018, he used online messaging services to communicate with a minor, repeatedly requesting that the minor send him sexually explicit images. When he was arrested on May 1, 2019, officers found images and videos of prepubescent child sexual abuse on his phone.
The charge of online enticement carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of possession of prepubescent child pornography carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 20, 2023.
