Jersey City Man Charged with Manufacturing Child Sexual Abuse Material and Other Crimes

TRENTON — Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, the Division of Criminal Justice, and the New Jersey State Police announced today that a Jersey City, New Jersey, man has been charged with allegedly directing a minor to commit sexual assault and produce child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAEM).

Christopher Drew, 38, of Jersey City, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child, manufacturing CSAEM, a crime of the first degree; endangering the welfare of a child, manufacturing CSAEM, a crime of the second degree; endangering the welfare of a child, possession of CSAEM, a crime of the third degree; and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, debauching the morals of a child, a crime of the third degree. At a detention hearing on September 15, 2026, Hudson County Superior Court Judge Joseph V. Isabella ordered Drew detained.

“We must protect children from sexual predators,” said Attorney General Davenport. “The allegations in this case are deeply concerning and underscore the very real dangers children can face online. We will continue to use every tool available to protect young people and hold accountable those who would target them.”

“This case demonstrates the importance of swift information sharing and close coordination among law enforcement agencies,” said Interim DCJ Director Martha Nye. “That collaboration is critical to identifying individuals who use the internet to target children and stopping them before they can cause further harm.”

“The safety and well-being of children remain among our highest priorities,” said Jeanne Hengemuhle, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Children are among the most vulnerable members of our community, and we are committed to protecting them from those who seek to cause harm. This case reflects our dedication and our ongoing efforts to safeguard children and hold offenders accountable. We will continue working tirelessly with our partners to investigate these cases, pursue justice, and ensure our communities remain safe. Protecting children is a responsibility we take seriously, and our commitment to that mission will never waver.”

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, on September 1, 2026, the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation referred a CyberTip to New Jersey investigators regarding a Discord chat. The reported chat indicated a user in Alabama had directed a child in New Jersey to sexually assault his younger sister.

As alleged, investigators learned that the child had been communicating with and meeting an adult male in New Jersey who allegedly directed the child to engage in unlawful conduct involving his younger sister and to send an image of his exposed penis. Investigators developed information identifying the adult male as Christopher Drew. On September 4, 2026, a search warrant for Drew and his residence was executed.

The case is being investigated by New Jersey State Police and prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Anton Kiryako.

First-degree crimes carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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