A Vineland police sergeant used his position to gain images of child sexual abuse, according to charges announced Wednesday.
Christopher Ortiz, 39, of Estell Manor, was indicted on charges of official misconduct, tampering with public records and endanger the welfare of a child, Attorney General Matthew Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability said.
Ortiz was first charged with possession of child sexual abuse materials more than a year ago.
At that time, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said that the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit received a tip from Verizon's Synchronoss Technologies that there were 76 files showing the sexual exploitation of children.
The images were uploaded to the Verizon Cloud Service through a number register to Ortiz, the original announcement said.
But the new charges allege that the materials were evidence from a case being investigated by Vineland police.
Ortiz allegedly emailed a subordinate asking for at least 17 items of child sexual assault materials associated with that investigation for unauthorized use.
The indictment further alleges that Ortiz possessed, viewed or had under his control at least 100 items depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of children.
Ortiz has been suspended without pay since March 2023, after he was charged by complaint, Vineland's city solicitor confirmed.
“The allegations in this indictment are deeply troubling,” Platkin said. “Any time an officer allegedly abuses his position and misappropriates evidence, it’s a dishonor to the profession and a betrayal of the community’s trust. Given the nature of the evidence involved in this case, it is particularly disturbing.”
“Possessing this type of material is a crime, and when the suspect is a police officer, it raises serious public safety concerns,” OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher said. “My office is committed to ensuring that police officers protect and serve our residents, and abide by the laws they enforce.”
The second-degree official misconduct charge carries a potential sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of as much as $150,000.
The other two charges, which are third-degree, carry a potential sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of as much as $15,000.
