WOODBRIDGE — A former Iselin firefighter and emergency medical technician is facing federal charges accusing him of creating child pornography.

Zachary Motta, 22, was charged earlier this year by the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office with child endangerment and possession of child pornography.

But Motta now faces federal charges of sexual exploitation of a child after officials say he got a 12-year-old to send him naked photos of himself. The federal charges stem from the state case and involve the same child.

The federal charges could land him in prison for a minimum of 15 years and as many as 30 if he's found guilty.

Authorities say Motta engaged the boy in sexually explicit messages, sending him photos of himself in his firefighting and EMT uniforms. Authorities said the boy told Motta that he was 12.

Motta encouraged the boy to send him naked photos, and the boy sent him pictures of his genitals on two occasions, federal prosecutors say.

Federal prosecutors say Motta warned the boy: "Just don't get caught."

Motta had been a volunteer with Iselin Volunteer Fire Co. 1.

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Sergio Bichao is deputy digital editor at New Jersey 101.5. 

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