Source: United States Department of Justice News
NEWARK, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man has been charged in connection with production of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Sunil Vaid, 50, of North Brunswick, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of production of child pornography. He appeared on Oct. 18, 2022, before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Vaid used multiple fraudulent online personas on a social media platform and several email accounts to target female victims under the age of 18 and solicit them to provide Vaid with nude photos and videos of themselves. Vaid interacted with the victims on the social media platform, then used an email account to communicate with the victims. At different times, he posed as a male who was interested in a romantic relationship and could help them start their modeling careers, a female who could help their careers, and a personal trainer.
The production of child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and members of the Newark Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, with the investigation leading to the charges and arrest. He also thanked the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and the North Brunswick Police for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shontae D. Gray of the OCDETF/Narcotics Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations against the defendant are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.