NORTH CAPE MAY – Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland and Lower Township Police Chief William Mastriana announced the Jan. 30 arrests of two North Cape May residents.
According to a release, Kathryn Gaines, 48, and Paul Harker, 51, were charged with possession of child pornography. Gaines was additionally charged with distribution of child pornography.
The investigation stemmed from a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTip that revealed an unknown subject possessed images of suspected child pornography on a home computer.
On Jan. 30, a court-authorized search warrant was executed at a residence in the 100 block Beachhurst Drive by members of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New Jersey State Police, and Lower Township Police Department.
Several computers and hard copies of images at the residence were reportedly seized as evidence. Several child pornography images were also located at the time of the search.
Gaines was charged with possession of child pornography, third degree, and distribution of child pornography, second degree.
Harker was charged with possession of child pornography, third degree.
Both subjects were charged, processed, and released on a summons pending court proceedings.
Sutherland recognized Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-Division), New Jersey State Police (Digital Technology Unit), and Lower Township Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.
The individual(s) listed is/are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
