Former Employee at Picatinny Arsenal Charged with Possession of Child Pornography While on the Arsenal

NEWARK, NJ—A former employee at the United States Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command in Picatinny Arsenal was arrested today for allegedly possessing child pornography while on the Arsenal, United States Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Hector Morales, 33, is charged by Complaint with one count of possession of child pornography on United States government property, and is scheduled to make an initial appearance this Wednesday, August 4, 2010, at 2:00 p.m., before United States Magistrate Judge Madeline Cox Arleo.

According to the Criminal Complaint filed in Newark federal court:

From in or about August 2000 to in or about June 2009, Morales was a civilian employee at the United States Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command in Picatinny Arsenal, in Morris County, New Jersey. On or about June 29, 2009, Morales possessed approximately 95 images of child pornography on his Department of Defense (DOD)- issued laptop computer and in his work station at Picatinny Arsenal.

The charge of possessing child pornography carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

In determining an actual sentence, the judge to whom the case is assigned would, upon a conviction, consult the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges that take into account the severity and characteristics of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, if any, and other factors. The judge, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence. Parole has been abolished in the federal system. Defendants who are given custodial terms must serve nearly all that time.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Newark Division, Innocent Images Unit, and the Picatinny Arsenal Criminal Investigation Unit with the investigation leading to the arrest.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Mendelsohn of the Criminal Division in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the Complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Anyone who had information which may be relevant to this case is encouraged to contact the Newark Division of the FBI at 973-792-3000.