Ex-Teacher Solicited Teens For Explicit Photos In Morristown: Police

MORRISTOWN, NJ — A former teacher and youth soccer coach from Morristown admitted to using a false online persona to mislead teens into sending him sexual images and videos, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Steven Brooks, 36, of Morristown, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to producing and possessing child pornography, admitting he used an online alias of a woman to request nude photos and other sexually explicit imagery from up to 70 minors, Sellinger said.

Prosecutors said authorities first received a tip in January 2021 about possible child pornography files on Brooks' external hard drive.

Brooks' electronic devices and social media accounts, which were obtained using court-authorized search warrants, revealed that Brooks used the online persona on social media platforms to solicit photos and videos of dozens of minors engaging in sexual activity.

Brooks could face a prison sentence of 15 to 30 years for the production of child pornography and up to 10 years for possessing it, as well as separate $250,000 fines for each charge. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 21, 2023.

Following his guilty plea on Wednesday, officials confirmed Brooks was previously employed by an elementary school, however, the U.S. Attorney's Office did not specify where.