NJ man sentenced to 10 years for child exploitation following HSI investigation

NEWARK, N.J. – A Hudson County man was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison Wednesday for using video chat programs to persuade a minor girl to engage in sexual conduct. The sentencing follows an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) along with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Union County Prosecutor’s Office and the Roselle Park Police Department.

Paul R. Kleinman, 34, of Jersey City and Verona, previously pleaded guilty to the charge Oct. 2, 2013, in U.S. District Court. As part of his guilty plea, Kleinman admitted that from September to October 2012 he used Skype and FaceTime to communicate online with a minor where he coerced the girl into engaging in sexual activity.

"Once an image is shared online it’s virtually impossible to remove," said HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Andrew McLees. "Investigating and seeking prosecution of criminals who sexually exploit children online will continue to be one of HSI’s highest priorities."

In addition to 10 years in federal prison, U.S. District Judge Faith S. Hochberg ordered Kleinman to also serve seven years supervised release following the completion of his prison term.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Kearney prosecuted the case on behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office General Crimes Unit in Newark.

This investigation was part of Operation Predator, a nationwide HSI initiative to protect children from sexual predators, including those who travel overseas for sex with minors, Internet child pornographers, criminal alien sex offenders and child sex traffickers. HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-347-2423 or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.

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, 1-800-843-5678.

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

HSI is a founding member and current chair of the Virtual Global Taskforce, an international alliance of law enforcement agencies and private industry sector partners working together to prevent and deter online child sexual abuse.