Child Porn Indictment Served to Former DPW Super

Former Morristown Department of Public Works Superintendent Charles Jones was indicted on charges of distributing child pornography over the Internet, according to U.S. Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa.

Jones could face a prison sentence of more than 10 years and fines totaling more than $160,000 if found guilty.

Jones, 50, was indicted on Wednesday by a state grand jury on the second-degree distribution charge, second-degree offering child pornography and fourth-degree possession of child pornography, a release from Chiesa's office said.

Jones was the acting DPW administrator when he was arrested on April 9, 2012. He was one of 27 people, one woman and 26 men, arrested as part of "Operation Watchdog," an investigation targeted at several individuals believed to be distributing child pornography over the Internet. Detectives involved in the operation were able to track transferred files that were included in a library of pornographic images and videos known to law enforcement authorities.

State police were also involved in the investigation and Superintendent Colonel Rick Fuentes said police will be vigilent in seeking out people who commit crimes involving child pornography.

“If no one was willing to trade and distribute child pornography, this depraved material would almost cease to exist, but as long as people dare to possess and share this filth, we will search them out and arrest them,” he said.

Jones' indictment claims he used file-sharing software to create files with child pornography and make them available to interested Internet users to download. A search of his computer allegedly revealed more than 30 child pornography files including photos and videos.

"Those who view and distribute child pornography come from all walks of life, as the allegations against Jones illustrate. But once a man strays down this dark path, he is no different from the other offenders who create demand for these vile materials and who share responsibility for the torture and exploitation of innocent children,” said Chiesa. “We will aggressively prosecute Jones and the other defendants charged in Operation Watchdog.”

After his arrest, Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty said he was "deeply disturbed about these serious charges."