Forked River juvenile corrections officer accused of child porn distribution

A corrections officer for a New Jersey juvenile corrections facility, who calls Forked River home, is arrested at work, on a count of child pornography distribution.

Michael A. Ruggiero, 35, was apprehended by U.S. Homeland Security agents this morning, according to information from the office of acting New Jersey U.S. Attorney William Fitzpatrick. His first court appearance is scheduled for this afternoon in Trenton.

Investigators allege that between April 16 and 19, 2016, Ruggiero spread degrading images onto the Internet through a mobile chat application. Detectives said that the stills and videos displayed children in sex acts

The probe also involved the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

Authorities did not disclose the detention center to which Ruggiero is attached, whether the images were recorded there or involved youths detained there, or the role of U.S. Postal Inspectors.

The investigation is not over. Investigators urge anyone aware of possible victims to reach Homeland Security Investigations in Newark, 973-776-5500.

A conviction on the charge would require Ruggiero to serve up to 20 years in prison, with a mandatory sentence of five years, and a possible $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica Allende manages the state's case. Ruggiero is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Brian P. Reilly.

Charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless, and until, found guilty in a court of law.