Home search uncovers child sexual assault material, police say

Ryan Smith, 24, of Franklin was charged with second-degree possession of images of sexually exploited children among other charges Sept. 18 after borough police in partnership with the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office searched his home.

He had been the subject of an investigation led by Detective Sgt. David Schneider and Detective Zachary LaGrave after officials received information that he was in possession of child sexual assault material (CSAM) depicting minors.

After the search, investigators accused Smith of being involved in the solicitation, creation and distribution of CSAM, with victims in New Jersey and other parts of the United States.

He also was charged with second-degree storing images of sexually exploited children on a file-sharing program, second-degree reconstructing images of children engaged in sexual acts, second-degree possession of items depicting sexually exploited children with intent to distribute, third-degree conspiracy to share or distribute images of child exploitation as an organizer/administrator of a network, and fourth-degree destruction of evidence.

During the investigation, Officer Jake Rotunda and members of the New Jersey State Police arrested Devina Biddulph, 61, of Franklin on fourth-degree charges of obstruction of the administration of law and resisting arrest.

She was accused of interfering with the investigation, including threatening officers on scene and unlawfully entering an ambulance at the scene during the execution of the search warrant at Smith’s home.

She was released pending her appearance in Superior Court in Sussex County.

Smith was taken to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending his first appearance in Superior Court in Sussex County.

“I am proud of the determination and teamwork shown by everyone involved in this investigation,” said Franklin Police Chief Gregory Cugliari. “Our detectives work tirelessly to uncover and stop the exploitation of children, and their efforts are strengthened by the support of our partner agencies.

“Protecting the most vulnerable members of our community, especially children, is one of our highest priorities, and this case shows the dedication we bring to that responsibility every day.”

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to Smith or these activities is asked to contact the Franklin Borough Detective Bureau at 973-827-7700 ext. 3129 or detectives@franklinpd.org

The Franklin Detective Bureau was assisted in the warrant execution by the Hardyston Township Police Department, county Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Secret Service.