A New Jersey man is being held in Franklin County on multiple felony charges after investigators say he sent explicit material to a juvenile and solicited images in return.
Dominic Justin Pereira was unable to post $200,000 bail following his arraignment on charges including dissemination of explicit sexual material to a minor, corruption of minors and unlawful contact with a minor. Court records indicate he remains incarcerated at the Franklin County Jail.
According to charging documents, the investigation began April 22 when Washington Township Police were notified by the New Jersey State Police of a cybertip involving alleged inappropriate online activity. Authorities said the tip identified Pereira as communicating with a Franklin County juvenile and exchanging explicit content.
Police later determined the victim was 13 years old at the time of the alleged incidents, though 14 when interviewed by investigators. Detectives conducted interviews with the juvenile and family members and reviewed digital evidence gathered from multiple sources.
Investigators allege Pereira sent money to the juvenile in exchange for images. In return, authorities say he transmitted videos and photographs of himself engaged in sexual acts. Additional communication, including text messages and Snapchat exchanges, reportedly contained further explicit content.
Law enforcement officials obtained forensic data from the juvenile’s phone, along with records from Pereira’s cellphone provider and information from Snapchat, which they say corroborates the allegations.
During interviews, police learned that images sent to Pereira were obtained online and did not depict the juvenile. However, authorities allege Pereira knowingly sent explicit material depicting an adult to a minor.
The case remains under investigation. Pereira is awaiting further court proceedings.
