FREEHOLD – A CyberTip has led to the arrest of a Howell Township man for possession of child pornography, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

William Whesper, 54, of Tyrpak Road in Howell was charged with one count of second degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child for Possession of Child Pornography.

After receiving a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, law enforcement began in investigation into the individual reported to be viewing child pornography online in Howell Township. The investigation led law enforcement to Whesper and an initial review of Whesper’s electronics revealed that he possessed thousands of images of child pornography.  On February 19, 2020, the Howell Township Police Department and a member of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested William Whesper for second degree possession of child pornography. The investigation was a joint investigation by members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Howell Township Police Department.

Whesper is currently incarcerated in the Monmouth County Jail pending a detention hearing, which is scheduled for Friday, February 28, 2020 in front of the Honorable Marc C. Lemieux, J.S.C.

If convicted of the second degree offense, Whesper faces up to 10 years New Jersey State Prison, will be subject to Megan’s Law and Parole Supervision for Life.

For anyone with information regarding this case, please contact Howell Police Detective Anthony Romano at 732-938-4575 x 2879

The case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Stephanie Dugan.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

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