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For Immediate Release:  
For Further Information Contact:
October 5, 2005

Office of The Attorney General
- Peter C. Harvey, Attorney General
Division of Criminal Justice
- Vaughn L. McKoy, Director

 

John R. Hagerty
609-984-1936

 

Former General Counsel for Newark Housing Authority Charged with Possession of Child Pornography - Division of Criminal Justice -
Computer Analysis & Technology Unit Targets Internet Child Porn & Sexual Predators

TRENTON — Attorney General Peter C. Harvey announced that the former General Counsel of the Newark Housing Authority has been charged by the Division of Criminal Justice with possession of child pornography and using his government-owned computer to download and view child pornography.

Vaughn L. McKoy, Director, Division of Criminal Justice, said that Frank L. Armour, 64, East Hanover Township, Morris County, was charged via a State Grand Jury indictment with endangering the welfare of a child - possession of child pornography (Fourth Degree). Armour faces up to 18 months in state prison and a criminal fine of up to $10,000 upon any conviction.

The indictment alleges that from Jan. 1 - Feb. 28, 2004, Armour, formerly employed as the General Counsel for the Newark Housing Authority located at 500 Broad Street, Newark, utilized his employer-issued notebook computer to possess and view more than 50 images of child pornography. The Newark Housing Authority (NHA) conducted the initial investigation after receiving complaints that Armour was allegedly viewing pornographic images during NHA office hours. NHA authorities confiscated the notebook computer and contacted the Division of Criminal Justice - Computer Analysis & Technology Unit to conduct the criminal investigation. Armour retired from the NHA in mid-2004.

The indictment was handed-up to Mercer County Superior Court Judge Linda R. Feinberg, the Supervising Judge of the State Grand Jury, on Sept. 30. The defendant will be required to appear in Essex County Superior Court for arraignment and bail. An indictment is merely a charge. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation was coordinated by State Investigator Ron Szymanski assigned to the Division of Criminal Justice - Computer Analysis & Technology Unit. Deputy Attorney General Mark Murtha presented the case to the State Grand Jury. Additional investigative assistance was provided by the Newark Housing Authority.

Criminal Justice Director McKoy noted that the Division of Criminal Justice - Computer Analysis & Technology Unit employs a team of specially-trained state investigators and Deputy Attorneys General to investigate and prosecute individuals who use technology and computer systems to commit criminal acts in New Jersey. As part of their continuing investigative responsibilities, state investigators respond to public complaints involving the possession and distribution of child pornography via the Internet, as well as complaints where potential sexual predators seek to engage juveniles in conversation with the goal of ultimately luring a targeted juvenile into a sexual encounter.

“Sexual predators and others using the Internet to target juveniles for sexual encounters or sexual exploitation is an investigative priority for the Division of Criminal Justice - Computer Analysis & Technology Unit,” said Director McKoy. “If you suspect improper or suspicious use of computer systems to exploit children, contact the Division of Criminal Justice - Computer Analysis & Technology Unit “Tip Line” at 1-800-396-2310 or log-on to the Division of Criminal Justice Web page at www.njdcj.org.”

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