Toms River Man Arrested and Charged in Interstate Child Pornography Investigation

Ocean County Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford released the following statement in connection with an arrest of a Toms River man by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Crimes Against Children Task Force:

“Yesterday, April 2, 2012, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s office received information from an Ohio law enforcement agency, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, of possible criminal conduct involving on line child pornography emanating from a location in Toms River. The Franklin County detectives were conducting their own cybercrime investigation of an adult pornography website, and engaged in a video chat with a subject later identified as Rodford W. Brindley, Jr., 66 of Fieldcrest Lane in Toms River. The target was unaware he was communicating with law enforcement. The investigation revealed evidence of possession, distribution and production of child pornography, and possible other crimes involving a minor child.

“Once Franklin County detectives ascertained that the target was an Ocean County NJ resident, they immediately contacted our Crimes Against Children Task Force. The investigation was lead by Detective Jay Dotto of the High Tech Crimes Unit of the Prosecutor’s Office. Our investigation revealed sufficient evidence to establish probable cause of criminal conduct, as well as evidence of child endangerment.

“An arrest warrant was authorized for the subject, as well as a search warrant for the residence and vehicle of the target. Based upon this joint investigation, as well as the evidence seized last night at the scene, probable cause was established to support the filing of charges against this defendant.

“Of course our main concern is the welfare of the child victim of this criminal activity, as well as any other potential victims. The Special Victims Unit of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the child victim had been returned to the custody of the mother and was safe.

“Brindley has been charged with the following:

Child Endangerment pursuant to NJSA 2C:24-4 b. (3), which is elevated by the terms of the statute to a first degree crime because the defendant was entrusted with the care of the minor victim;
Production of Child Pornography, a second degree office;
Distribution of Child Pornography, a second degree offense;
Possession of Child Pornography, a 4th Degree offense.

“Bail was set by the Honorable Frances Hodgson in the amount of $750,000, no ten percent (10%) option. In default of bail, the defendant is currently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

“The investigation and prosecution of this case is being handled by Sr. Assistant Prosecutor Hillary Bryce and by Detective Jay Dotto. Assisting in the arrest and the execution of the search warrant were officers from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU); the Toms River Police Department and the New Jersey State Police.

“The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office is a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which is composed of state and local law enforcement agencies who investigate cybercrimes involving children.

“This is a continuing investigation and we may in fact file additional charges against this defendant, as the investigation unfolds. If anyone has any information regarding this investigation, they are encouraged to contact Detective Dotto of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, High Tech Computer Crimes Unit, or Detective Lindsay Woodfield of the Special Victims Unit. Both detectives can be reached at 732-929-2027.

“We are particularly interested in finding any parents who entrusted their children to the care of Rodford Brindley, Jr. and would encourage them to come forward to be interviewed by detectives working this case,“ said Prosecutor Ford.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that these defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Posted by Ocean County News on Apr 3 2012. Filed under Police Blotter. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.