Branchburgh Woman charged with 2nd degree, Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials and 3rd degree, Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

BRANCHBURG, N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., and Branchburg Township Chief of Police Richard Buck announced the arrest of Kathleen Amberg, age 69, Kenbury Road, Branchburg, New Jersey in relation to possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material in the Township of Branchburg. 

Prosecutor McDonald stated that the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force notified the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office of a Cyber Tipline Report provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children concerning the possession and distribution of files depicting the sexual abuse and/or exploitation of a minor via an internet service platform.

Upon receiving this Cyber Tipline Report, an investigation was initiated by detectives assigned to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations/Computer Crimes Unit. 

The investigation led to the identification of Kathleen Amberg as the suspect who possessed and distributed files depicting the sexual abuse and/or exploitation of a minor. Prosecutor McDonald stated on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, along with members of the Branchburg Township Police Department, executed a Superior Court search warrant at Kathleen Amberg’s residence. As a result of the search warrant, electronic devices were seized from the residence for further forensic analysis. Kathleen Amberg was taken into custody and transported to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office. 

Defendant Amberg was charged with 2nd degree, Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials and 3rd degree, Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials. Defendant Amberg was lodged at the Somerset County Jail and was later released from custody after making an appearance in Superior Court.

Prosecutor McDonald, Chief Roman, and Chief Buck request that anyone with information relating to this investigation to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations/Computer Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the Branchburg Township Police Department at (908) 526-3830 or via the STOPit app. 

The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. NOTE: The charges are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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