Husband and wife police officers charged in New Jersey child sexual abuse materials case

TRENTON - A New Jersey couple who are both police officers are facing disturbing allegations of creating child sexual abuse material and distributing the explicit images online.

Prosecutors did not name the man and woman, who they say work as law enforcement officers in different police departments within Mercer County.

Investigators say the husband allegedly uploaded over 30 explicit images of his wife in the presence of children, and made other disturbing claims in an online chat.

What we know:

Investigators in Mercer County on Tuesday acted on a tip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children that claimed an mobile messaging platform user uploaded and distributed possible child sexual abuse material. 

The Mercer County Prosecutor's Office said the user allegedly distributed over 30 media files that contained naked images of his wife in the presence of children. In an online chat exchange, the husband allegedly mentioned that children were present while he and his wife had sex. 

The husband and wife are both law enforcement officers in different departments in Mercer County, according to prosecutors. The husband has been charged with several crimes, including first degree causing or permitting a child to engage in a sexual act that may be photographed, videoed, or reproduced. 

The wife was charged with second degree engaging in sexual conduct that would debauch the morals of a child. 

What they're saying:

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin called the allegations "disturbing" in a press release shared Thursday night. 

"Sexual offenses against children are among the most serious crimes we charged," Platkin said. "It's especially disturbing when, as in this case, the accused are members of law enforcement." 

Department of Criminal Justice Director Theresa L. Hilton said the allegations could cause "immeasurable harm to the victims."

The Hamilton Police Department said one of the officers in the ongoing investigation worked for the department, but did not identify if it was the husband or wife.

The department said the officer is being suspended and served with a notice of termination. 

"The off-duty allegations made against this officer do not reflect the values of this agency or of the dedicated and hard-working men and women who put their lives on the line every day for the citizens of Hamilton Township to keep you safe," a statement read.

What's next:

Prosecutors say the first-degree charges can carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison, and a fine up to $200K. Second and third degree charges can result in 3-10 years in state prison and fines up to $150K.