A Buena Vista man was sentenced to five years in prison Friday for distributing child pornography via a file-sharing network.
Craig Covell, 55, must serve at least 2½ years before he is eligible for parole.
Detectives downloaded numerous videos of child sexual assault from an IP address that was traced to Covell’s home, according to the information in the case.
“We know that the depraved who seek out and share this filth create the demand, which is why our pursuit of these offenders will remain unrelenting,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. “We will continue to collaborate with our partners and utilize the most cutting-edge resources available to put these criminals behind bars.”
A forensics analysis of multiple computers and hard drives taken from Covell on Oct. 19, 2018, found more than 100 videos and images.
By sharing child pornography online, this defendant participated in a criminal network that promotes and perpetuates the brutal sexual exploitation of children,” Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said. “Our multi-agency efforts to patrol the internet and put these offenders in prison are all about protecting children and ensuring justice for those who have been victimized.”
Division of Criminal Justice Director Veronica Allende said they will continue to work with law enforcement partners “to disrupt the online market for these abhorrent materials and send those who distribute them to prison. We are sending a message that these are serious crimes with serious consequences.”
Covell has a 2009 conviction of aggravated assault, to which he was sentenced to two years’ probation under a plea agreement, court records show.
