BRICK:

BRICK TOWNSHIP MAN CHARGED WITH
POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 13, 2023, John Kisch, 57, of Brick Township, was charged with Possession of Child Pornography.

This investigation was the result of a referral from the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The ICAC Task Force received cyber-tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual was uploading images of child pornography to the internet. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit identified an IP address associated with a Brick Township residence as the location where the individual was uploading the images of child pornography; that individual was ultimately identified as Kisch. Kisch is employed as a part time Class I Special Police Officer in Brick Township.

On June 13, 2023, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, and New Jersey State Police ICAC Task Force, executed a court-authorized search warrant on Kisch’s residence in Brick Township. As a result, Detectives seized a desktop computer. A forensic examination of the computer by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit led to the discovery of more than 100 images of child pornography on the computer. Kisch was taken into custody at the residence. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is lodged pending a detention hearing.

“Kisch is alleged to have possessed images of child pornography, every image is a risk to further victimize those being depicted,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “HSI special agents and our partners with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey State Police will continue to bring to justice those that are engaged in any activity involving the exploitation of our innocent children.”

“We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the most vulnerable among us. Children are most deserving of our unwavering commitment to investigating and prosecuting these types of offenses,” said Prosecutor Billhimer.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Kisch’s arrest.

Brick Police Chief Releases Statement On Arrest of Officer

I am angered and saddened by the recent incident involving one of our part time special police officers, who was arrested and charged with Possession of Child Pornography. I want to express my sincere regret and disappointment over the actions Mr. Kisch is accused of. They are inexcusable and do not represent the values and standards of the Brick Township Police Department. In response to the charges we took swift action and terminated his employment after 23 years with the Department.

As a community, we understand the importance of protecting our children. As a law enforcement agency, we are committed to the unwavering investigation and prosecution of those who exploit or harm our children. As a Chief, I am personally invested in the health and safety of everyone in our township. Together, we will continue to work to ensure child predators are brought to justice in the hopes to send a strong message that crimes against children are despicable and will not be tolerated.

I assure you that the men and women of the Brick Township Police Department are dedicated to serving you with integrity, professionalism, and respect. We will continue do everything we can to honor our oath to protect and serve you.

The investigation is being led by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and any and all questions related to the factual circumstances or court proceedings should be directed to the Public Information Office of the Prosecutor.