New Jersey man convicted of producing and possessing images of child sexual abuse

NEWARK, N.J. – A federal jury convicted a Hudson County, New Jersey, man Tuesday of coercing a minor family member to engage in sexually explicit conduct while he photographed the abuse. The sentencing follows an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Felix Restitullo, 41, Jersey City, New Jersey, was convicted of one count of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge William H. Walls in Newark federal court. The jury deliberated less than three hours before returning the guilty verdicts.

According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial: Restitullo lived with his mother, who acted as caregiver to children, including the victim, an underage girl who is a member of Restitullo’s family. On March 13, 2014, as a result of an ongoing investigation into the sexual abuse of minor children, HSI special agents interviewed the victim, who told the agents that Restitullo had sexually abused her and photographed it.

Restitullo was arrested by HSI and charged by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office with aggravated sexual assault and endangering the welfare of the girl. In connection with his arrest, HSI searched Restitullo’s bedroom and recovered a camera and multiple electronic media devices belonging to Restitullo.

A forensic examination of the devices was performed, and HSI special agents identified photographs that depicted the victim’s sexual abuse saved on a thumb drive found in Restitullo’s closet. Agents identified more than 3,000 images and more than 350 videos of child sexual abuse.

The charge of production of child pornography carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison, a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Because of Restitullo’s prior conviction for possession of child pornography, he is subject to an increased mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years and a maximum prison term of 50 years.

With a qualifying prior conviction, the charge of possession of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled June 20.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M Wangenheim.

HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.

Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.

For additional information about wanted suspected child predators, download HSI’s Operation Predator smartphone app or visit the online suspect alerts page.