A high school diving coach pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography Wednesday.
Mark Balesteri Jr., 30, was arrested last February after a monthlong investigation into his online activity.
Balesteri admitted using his cell phone to send images and videos of abuse and sexual exploitation of children via Snapchat.
The teacher's aide and Egg Harbor Township High School diving coach referred to himself as a pedophile when questioned by detectives, the prosecutor said at his detention hearing in 2019, when he was released with conditions.
He allegedly admitted his attraction was to girls who are about 13 or 14 years old.
Balesteri pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child and distribution of child pornography.
As a result of his guilty plea, Balesteri faces a five-year prison sentence. He also must undergo a sexual offender evaluation, which will determine the date of his sentencing.
Balesteri must register as a Megan's Law offender and will be subject to lifetime supervision.
He also must forfeit any future public employment.
Balesteri told the judge he already had been fired from Egg Harbor Township, and has been working for a landscaping company.
He remains free pending his sentencing.
