FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Raymond Worrall
PHONE: (201) 795-6400 Ext. 6737
EMAIL: rworrall@hcpo.org
DATE: Wednesday, December 14, 2016
TWO ARRESTED IN UNION CITY ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez released the following information:
On December 13, 2016, two residents of Union City were arrested on charges involving child pornography after search warrants authorized by a Superior Court judge were executed at two locations in Union City. The arrests were the result of a three month investigation named ‘Operation Safe Holiday’ by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit. The two locations are not related.
At approximately 7:20 a.m., Erik W. Umana, age 30, of Union City, was arrested by members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, Union City Police Department and the New Jersey Internet-Crimes-Against-Children Task Force. Detectives discovered more than 15,000 images and videos of child pornography. Umana has been charged with Distribution of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography in violation of N.J.S. 2C:24-4.
At approximately 9:40 a.m., Francisco Brando, age 50, of Union City, was arrested by members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit, Union City Police Department and the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Detectives discovered he was sharing images and videos of child pornography. Brando has been charged with Distribution of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography in violation of N.J.S. 2C:24-4.
Prosecutor Suarez credited the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, the N.J. Division of Criminal Justice, the New Jersey State Police, the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Union City Police Department, the Jersey City Police Department and the Bayonne Police Department for their assistance in making the arrests during Operation Safe Holiday.
The above charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).