Sussex County man accused of child exploitation, operating network to distribute abuse material
FRANKLIN BOROUGH, N.J. (Sussex County) — A Franklin man was arrested Sept. 18 following an investigation into the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), according to the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Ryan J. Smith, 24, of Franklin, was taken into custody after detectives executed a search warrant at his residence. The investigation, led by the Franklin Borough Police Department in partnership with the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, began after authorities received information indicating that Smith was allegedly in possession of CSAM depicting minors.
The warrant execution was assisted by the Hardyston Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Secret Service, the prosecutor’s office said.
As a result of the search, investigators determined that Smith was allegedly involved in the solicitation, creation, and distribution of CSAM, with victims located in New Jersey and other parts of the United States.
Smith was charged with second-degree possession of images of sexually exploited children, second-degree storing images of sexually exploited children on a file-sharing program, second-degree reconstructing images of children engaged in sexual acts, second-degree possession of items depicting sexually exploited children with intent to distribute, third-degree conspiracy to share or distribute images of child exploitation as an organizer or administrator of a network, and fourth-degree destruction of evidence.
During the investigation, Devina Biddulph, 61, of Franklin, was also arrested by Officer Jake Rotunda and members of the New Jersey State Police. She was charged with obstruction of the administration of law and resisting arrest, both fourth-degree offenses, after allegedly interfering with the investigation by threatening officers and unlawfully entering an ambulance at the scene, officials said. She was issued a summons and released pending a court appearance.
Smith was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending his first appearance in Sussex County Superior Court, in accordance with the New Jersey Bail Reform Act.
“I am proud of the determination and teamwork shown by everyone involved in this investigation,” said Chief Gregory Cugliari of the Franklin Borough Police Department. “Our detectives work tirelessly to uncover and stop the exploitation of children, and their efforts are strengthened by the support of our partner agencies. Protecting the most vulnerable members of our community, especially children, is one of our highest priorities, and this case shows the dedication we bring to that responsibility every day.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed. Anyone with information related to Smith or the activities described in this case is asked to contact the Franklin Borough Detective Bureau at 973-827-7700, ext. 3129, or email detectives@franklinpd.org.
