MORRIS COUNTY — James T. Hess, 50, Landing, faced sentencing on Friday, August 11, receiving a three-year term in New Jersey State Prison. The charges against Hess include child endangerment and distributing child sexual abuse materials, as shared by Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provided the initial tip that led investigators to Hess’s activities. It was found that he had uploaded and viewed the incriminating videos using the Kik chat app. Notably, this took place at the Netcong Volunteer Fire Department, where Hess held the position of captain. Additionally, he was employed at the New Jersey Fireman’s Home.
Hess entered a guilty plea earlier this year on April 11. As a result of his actions, he will be required to register under Megan’s Law once he completes his prison sentence.
The investigation was a collaborative effort, with both the Roxbury Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force playing integral roles.
