New Jersey man pleads guilty to possession of child pornography

NEWARK, N.J. — A New Jersey man has pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, which included sadistic conduct and other violent images involving minors. This case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Danial Hillman, 27, of Atlantic Highlands, N.J., pleaded guilty to a one count indictment charging him with possession of child pornography.

According to court documents, around Dec. 6, 2010, undercover law enforcement officers downloaded videos and images of child pornography from Hillman on the Internet via peer-to-peer file sharing software. The images downloaded by HSI special agents from Hillman's shared directories included three videos of three children, all under the age of 12, being sexually abused.

HSI special agents executed a search warrant at Hillman's home April 12, 2011. They seized multiple computers, one of which contained images depicting child pornography, including sadistic conduct and other violent images involving minors.

Hillman faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 18, 2012.

The Monmouth County (N.J.) Prosecutors Office and Atlantic Highlands Police Department assisted in this investigation.