Registered sex offender from Wayne arrested by federal authorities on child pornography charges – NorthJersey.com

A registered sex offender from Wayne faces two decades in prison after federal authorities arrested him on charges of possessing child pornography, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.

Robert Klemt, 34, was arrested Wednesday morning after a monthslong investigation that unearthed more than 70 images on his laptop that depict the sexual exploitation of children, said a statement from U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito. 

Klemt appeared Wednesday afternoon by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III, said Matthew Reilly, a spokesperson for Carpenito’s office. Klemt did not enter a plea and is being held by the U.S. Marshals Service, Reilly said. 

The federal Department of Homeland Security approached Klemt at his home four months ago after it received a tip that he had attempted to access a website that contained a “significant amount of child pornography,” Carpenito’s office said. Federal authorities said Klemt admitted he visited the sites and said he looked at child pornography every day, states the arrest affidavit.

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Authorities searched his laptop and found the files, the affidavit shows.

Klemt was convicted of endangering the welfare of a child and distribution of child pornography in Essex County six years ago. Because he is a repeat offender, Klemt now faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, with a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine, Carpenito said.

Steve Janoski covers law enforcement for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news about those who safeguard your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: janoski@northjersey.com 

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