Long Branch, Keyport Men Indicted In Child Exploitation Bust

LONG BRANCH – Two men were indicted by a Monmouth County grand jury on eleven counts, including multiple counts of possessing and distributing child sexual exploitation images, among other charges, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Craig Reeves, 31, of Long Branch and Brandon Pascoe, 36, of Keyport, was indicted for conspiracy to distribute child sexual exploitation material, distribution of child sexual exploitation material, and other related charges stemming from a 2018 joint investigation by the New Jersey Department of Corrections, the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, the Keansburg Police Department, and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

Also charged as part of this investigation was Pascoe’s girlfriend Amy Smith, 51, of Keyport, who was also indicted on charges of fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence, fourth-degree obstruction fourth-degree hindering apprehension of another. Smith faces up to 18 months in a New Jersey State Prison on each of the fourth-degree charges.

The investigation showed that Pascoe directed Reeves to send him images of child sexual exploitation via email. Pascoe, who was found to have over 1,000 images of child sexual exploitation in his possession, is also charged with two additional charges of endangering the welfare of a child and luring.

Pascoe was indicted for second-degree conspiracy to distribute child sexual exploitation material, second-degree distribution of child sexual exploitation material, second-degree possession with intent to distribute child sexual exploitation material, second-degree possession of child sexual exploitation material, third-degree possession of child sexual exploitation material over 1000 images, second-degree luring, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence and fourth-degree obstruction.

Reeves was indicted for one count of second-degree conspiracy to distribute child sexual exploitation material, second and third-degree distribution of child sexual exploitation material, and third-degree possession of child sexual exploitation material.

On each of the second-degree charges, Pascoe is facing up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison, up to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison on each third-degree charge, and 18 months in New Jersey State Prison on the fourth-degree charges. If convicted, Pascoe will also be required to register as a sex offender according to Megan’s Law and be placed on parole supervision for life.

Reeves is facing up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison on each of the second-degree crimes and up to five years in New Jersey State Prison on the third-degree crime. If convicted of distributing child sexual exploitation material, Reeves will be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law and be placed on parole supervision for life.