By Geena Molinaro, Special Writer
MONTGOMERY — Raymond Purkis III, 48, of Montgomery, was one of 14 men charged with using file-sharing networks to download and distribute child pornography, according to a press release from the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.
Mr. Purkis was arrested on July 2 and charged with possession and distribution of child pornography, said the release
Peter Aseltine of the attorney general’s office said Mr. Purkis lives in Belle Mead and posted bail for $50,000.
Mr. Purkis’ arrest was part of the second round of "Operation Predator Alert," which is a joint operation between the New Jersey Criminal Division and ICE Homeland Security Investigations, said the release. A total of 28 people have been charged under this program, said the release.
The defendants will be prosecuted under a new child pornography statute Gov. Chris Christie signed last August, said the release, which increases the punishments for almost all child pornography offenses.
The attorney general’s office released the names of the other people arrested.
They are Michael Van Culin, 30, of Monroeville, Andrew Schreiner, 28, of Williamstown, Armando Nortez, 28, of Egg Harbor, Jonathan Fink, 41, of Cherry Hill, Michael Parker, 55, of Pennsauken, Thomas Pirretti, 31, of Flemington, Walter Vibanco, 47, of Lower, Arlanda Johnson, 46, of Pemerton, Daniel Corda, 46, of Bellmawr, Jarrell Harris, 28, of Elizabeth, Matthew Hems, 23, of Tabernacle, Arnold Kay, 74, of Linden and Jorge Lopez-Betancourt, 34, of Trenton.
