Mercer Man Extorted Explicit Images, Videos From Idaho Teen: Prosecutor

MERCER COUNTY, NJ – A 45-year-old Trenton man is facing multiple charges related to online child exploitation following an investigation by the prosecutor's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey said.

Travis Reisen faces five charges - first-degree manufacturing of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), second-degree sexual assault, third-degree possession of CSAM, third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and fourth-degree tampering with evidence.

The case began when a mother in Idaho reported to Twin Falls Police that her 14-year-old daughter had become a victim of online sexual exploitation. According to the investigation, the teen had posted an online advertisement offering babysitting services when she was contacted by an individual inquiring about her services.

The person then engaged the child in sexually explicit conversations and extorted explicit images and videos from the victim, Marbrey said.

Twin Falls Police identified Reisen as a suspect and contacted the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office to coordinate the investigation.

On Tuesday, members of the prosecutor's ICAC Unit executed a search warrant at Reisen's Lee Avenue residence with assistance from the Special Victims Unit, Economic Crime Unit, Cyber Crimes Unit, and Mercer County Tactical Response Team. Detectives seized multiple items of evidence during the search, Marbrey said.

Reisen is being held at the Mercer County Correction Center. The prosecutor's office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial.

If convicted, Reisen faces significant penalties. First-degree crimes carry sentences of 10 to 20 years in state prison and fines up to $200,000, while second-degree crimes carry sentences of five to 10 years and fines up to $150,000.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information should contact the prosecutor's ICAC Unit at (609) 989-6568 or mcposvu@mercercounty.org.

Marbrey encourages anyone with information about suspected improper contact between unknown persons and children via the internet, or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children, to contact the ICAC Unit at (609) 989-6568 or the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tip line at (888) 648-6007.

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