A 39-year-old veteran of a New Jersey police department is behind bars, facing two charges connected to possession of child pornography, according to Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik.
He is identified as Officer James Berthold of Paterson, a five-year veteran of that city's force. He's not married.
"The fact that this suspect is a sworn police officer makes this matter even more alarming and disturbing," Sheriff Berdnik said in a statement.
Investigators could find no evidence that Berthold has any children.
The investigation began after America Online found its website being used in connection with roughly a dozen photos.
AOL contacted the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which then sent 9 Cybertip Reports to the Sussex County Prosecutors office, according to the Sheriff.
After their preliminary investigation began about three months ago, the Sussex Prosecutor contacted the Passaic Sheriff's Internet Crime ICAC Task Force which then proceeded to finish the probe and charge Officer Berthold Thursday morning.
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"They (America Online) police their own system," Sheriff Berdnik said, adding, "Law Enforcement has a great relationship with them as a result of that."
Officer Berthold has not had bail set yet as Sheriff Berdnik said there is a "possibility of additional charges."
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