Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Possession and Distribution of Images of Child Sexual Abuse

TRENTON — Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) announced today that a Newark man was sentenced to seven years in prison for possessing and distributing images of child sexual abuse.

Ricardo J. Almeida, 42, of Newark, pleaded guilty on May 21, 2026, before Superior Court Judge Patrick Arre to first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, distribution of child sexual abuse/exploitation material (CSAEM), 1,000 or more images, and second-degree possession of CSAEM. Judge Arre imposed the sentence on October 15, 2026, in Essex County.

“Every time images of child sexual abuse and exploitation are shared, children are revictimized,” said Attorney General Davenport. “The defendant in this case perpetuated the cycle of abuse and he was held accountable. Protecting our young people remains a top priority of our office. We take that responsibility seriously and remain committed to this important work.”

“The internet is a dangerous place, especially for children, who are vulnerable to the worst kind of predatory abusers,” said DCJ Interim Director Martha Nye. “We will continue to find those who view and share recorded images of these crimes.”

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, Almedia possessed CSAEM from January 1, 2025, to March 20, 2025. On January 22, 2025, DCJ received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding a messaging app user who uploaded 47 video files and one image of child sexual abuse/exploitation material. The investigation revealed that the account was owned by Almeida, and that he distributed a CSAEM file to another user on the messaging app.

On February 18, 2025, DCJ received an additional cybertip through the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force regarding a messaging app user. The report included 41 videos and seven images consistent with CSAEM. The investigation revealed that the account was owned by Almeida.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Domenico Stockton-Rossini.

Defense counsel:

Eric Feinberg Esq., Mount Holly, New Jersey

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