NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County man was arrested today on a charge of distributing images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Jeffrey Shreve, 35, of Scotch Plains, New Jersey, was arrested at his home by agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). He is charged by complaint with one count of distributing child pornography. Shreve made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III in Newark federal court and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond. 

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Shreve used peer-to-peer file sharing software to seek and obtain images of child sexual abuse, including images of prepubescent children.

The charge of distributing child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. 

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of HSI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.

The government is represented by Counsel to the U.S. Attorney Caroline Sadlowski of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.

The charge and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.