A Burlington County man, reportedly accused of attempted child luring in April 2016, now faces charges of distributing child pornography.

Brian Ayers (Burlington Co. Dept. of Corrections)
Brian Ayers (Burlington Co. Dept. of Corrections)
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Brian M. Ayers, 57, of Florence Township's Roebling section, was apprehended January 30 while trying to shatter an electronic tablet with a hatchet, according to the office of Burlington County Prosecutor Robert D. Bernardi.

Investigators began looking into Ayers's online presence earlier in January, based on information sent by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

He was arrested after a search of his house, underwent his initial court appearance January 31, and was kept in custody until a detention hearing takes place.

Two of the three child endangerment counts are second-degree level, involving distribution and the intent to distribute pornography. A third-degree count relates to pornography possession.

The alleged attempt to smash the tablet drew a third-degree count of hindering apprehension or prosecution.

Second-degree charges, on conviction, carry possible prison terms of five to 10 years.

In April 2016, New Jersey Advance Media and NBC-10 Philadelphia reported that Ayers allegedly shadowed two under-age girls in a Cherry Hill Wawa, and a short time later tried to persuade them into his car. He was released after posting bail.

At the time of this writing, Burlington authorities provided no update of the status of the April charges.

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

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