Jersey City Man Jailed for Allegedly Directing Child to Assault Sister, Produce Abuse Material on Discord

A 38-year-old Jersey City man is behind bars after allegedly directing a child to sexually assault his younger sister and produce child sexual abuse material through Discord.

Christopher Drew was ordered detained on September 15 by Hudson County Superior Court Judge Joseph V. Isabella. He faces first-, second-, and third-degree charges including manufacturing and possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAEM) and debauching the morals of a child.

How It Started

On September 1, the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation sent a CyberTip to New Jersey investigators about a Discord chat. The chat showed a user in Alabama had directed a child in New Jersey to sexually assault his younger sister.

Investigators determined the child had been communicating with — and meeting — an adult male in New Jersey who allegedly told the child to engage in unlawful conduct involving his younger sister and to send an explicit image. That adult was identified as Christopher Drew.

A search warrant for Drew and his residence was executed on September 4.

The Charges

• Endangering the welfare of a child, manufacturing CSAEM (first degree — 10 to 20 years)
• Endangering the welfare of a child, manufacturing CSAEM (second degree — 5 to 10 years)
• Endangering the welfare of a child, possession of CSAEM (third degree — 3 to 5 years)
• Two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, debauching the morals of a child (third degree)

What Officials Said

“The allegations in this case are deeply concerning and underscore the very real dangers children can face online,” said Attorney General Jennifer Davenport. “We will continue to use every tool available to protect young people and hold accountable those who would target them.”

“This case demonstrates the importance of swift information sharing and close coordination among law enforcement agencies,” said Interim DCJ Director Martha Nye.

The case is being investigated by the New Jersey State Police and prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Anton Kiryako.

The charges are accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Source: New Jersey Attorney General’s Office