A 48-year-old township man has been charged in relation to the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material in the Township of Hillsborough, according to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman, Jr. and Hillsborough Township Chief of Police Mike McMahon.
The New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force notified the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office of a Cyber Tipline Report concerning the possession and distribution of files depicting the sexual abuse and/or exploitation of a minor via a social media and messaging platform, McDonald said.
Upon receiving this Cyber Tipline Report, an investigation was initiated by detectives assigned to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit. The investigation led to the identification of Matthew Serwedes as the suspect allegedly responsible for uploading and distributing the files depicting the sexual abuse and/or exploitation of a minor via the social media and messaging platform, according to a press release through the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.
On Feb. 25, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit detectives, along with members of the Hillsborough Township Police Department, executed a Superior Court search warrant at Serwedes’ residence. As a result of the search warrant, electronic devices were seized for further forensic analysis.
Serwedes was taken into custody on Feb. 25 without incident and transported to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office. Serwedes was charged with distribution of child sexual abuse materials, a second-degree charge, and possession of child sexual abuse materials, a third-degree charge. Serwedes was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing on this matter, according to the press release.
Detectives determined that Serwedes is currently employed as a middle school teacher in Clark. A preliminary investigation has not revealed any threats or concerns to Serwedes’ students, according to the press release.
The investigation remains ongoing by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigation Unit. Anyone with information relating to this investigation to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the Hillsborough Township Police Department at (908) 369-4323 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. 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.
