U.S. Attorney Announces Guilty Verdict for Severe Child Exploitation Offenses
NEW JERSEY – A New York resident was convicted on multiple charges, including the sexual exploitation of a 13-year-old from New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger reported today. Zachary Williams, 37, faced justice in Camden’s federal court, marking the end of a significant criminal case involving interstate sexual misconduct and child pornography.
Details of the Case:
In a trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn, evidence revealed that Williams, disguising his age as 17, initially contacted the minor via Snapchat in September 2020. He subsequently coerced the minor into sending nude photographs and used these to extort further sexual materials and interactions. Promising to delete the images, Williams lured the minor to an Atlantic County hotel in October 2020, where he engaged in sexual acts with the victim.
Despite his initial promise, Williams continued to threaten the minor post-encounter. He was arrested in March 2021 during a sting operation at the same hotel, orchestrated by posing as the minor. Further investigation uncovered additional child pornography on Williams’ phone, leading to the discovery of more victims in New York and Connecticut, where Williams faces additional charges.