New Milford resident admits to distributing and possessing over 600 illegal images, faces potential 20-year sentence.
NEWARK, N.J. – Michael Kimmerle, 35, of New Milford, New Jersey, has pleaded guilty to charges of distributing and possessing child pornography, as announced by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. Kimmerle admitted to the charges on November 6, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court.
According to court documents, Kimmerle engaged in the distribution of child sexual abuse material from August 2021 through August 2022 using a publicly accessible peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing program. Law enforcement officers, participating in undercover online operations, accessed the program and traced video files containing illegal content to Kimmerle’s residence. During a search conducted on September 14, 2022, agents recovered over 600 thumbnail images of child pornography on Kimmerle’s laptop, many of which had been shared through the P2P platform.
The distribution charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, with a potential maximum of 20 years, and a fine of up to $250,000. The possession charge also carries a potential 20-year maximum sentence and a similar fine. Kimmerle’s sentencing is scheduled for March 11, 2024.