N.J. arrests 25 on kid porn charges

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HAMILTON, N.J., Feb. 28 (UPI) -- State Police arrested 25 men after patrolling the Internet to find New Jersey residents involved in child pornography, officials said Wednesday.

Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa said the investigation, "Operation Ever Vigilant," began three months ago, The Star-Ledger of Newark reported. In a news conference at the State Police Technology Center in Hamilton, Chiesa said investigators targeted people who were offering child pornography on line.

"Anyone who believes this is a victimless crime simply doesn't understand what we're talking about," Chiesa said. "The demand for this material...doesn't exist if people don't have it and don't share it and don't want it."

Investigators do not believe any of those arrested were involved in manufacturing pornography, Chiesa said. He said they found items that depicted young children, some of them only toddlers, being molested by adults or forced to perform sexually.

Most of the arrests were made last week. One of those rounded up is only 17.

The suspects include a registered sex offender and five people who have jobs or family situations where they encounter young children.