Lawrence man arrested for allegedly downloading thousands of images of child porn

The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit has arrested a Lawrence Township man for allegedly possessing thousands of images of child porn.

Kelly Skeel, 45, has been charged with second-degree possession of child pornography. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Skeel pending trial.

Detectives with the prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit recently received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that a person living in Mercer County was uploading child pornography. An investigation was initiated and Skeel was identified, according to the prosecutor’s office.

On Tuesday, Jan. 25, detectives executed a search warrant at Skeel’s home in Lawrence. Officials said he was detained without incident and several electronic devices were seized. Forensic previews conducted on multiple DVDs at the home, along with a further investigation, revealed thousands of images and videos of child pornography and erotica, according to law enforcement officials.

Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri is urging anyone with information about suspected improper contact by unknown persons communicating with children via the internet or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children to contact his Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit at 609-989-6568 or the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tip line at 888-648-6007.