MAYS LANDING, NJ – During the 2023-2024 school year, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit arrested 11 residents for distributing and/or possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) using digital devices.
The ICAC Unit conducts both proactive and reactive investigations, forensic examinations, and prosecutions in response to online child victimization. The ICAC Program addresses the increasing use of the internet and technology by children and teenagers, the proliferation of electronic child sexual abuse images, and the rise in online activity by predators seeking contact with potential underage victims.
Throughout the school year, members of the Prosecutor’s Office engaged with students and school officials in Atlantic County to emphasize good decision-making and internet safety. These efforts aim to educate on how to protect against criminal behavior and how to notify law enforcement when such crimes occur.
As the school year concludes, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office urges citizens to monitor the online activities of children, particularly during the summer when unsupervised screen time may increase.
Any suspicion of a child being endangered or victimized online should be reported to local police departments.