North Caldwell School Custodian Accused Of Child Porn Possession

CALDWELLS, NJ — A New Jersey man has been accused of possessing and distributing more than 100 videos and images of child pornography, authorities announced Friday.

Christopher M. Lucas, 30, of Clifton, was arrested Thursday and charged with four counts of distributing, maintaining and possessing images of suspected child pornography, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.

Lucas had been employed as a custodian for the North Caldwell Public School District since September 2020, prosecutors said.

As of Thursday, he is no longer employed by the district, school officials said. (See the full statement below)

According to prosecutors, Lucas allegedly emailed himself 133 videos and images of “sexual child abuse.” The recovered files were images of children “obtained via the internet” and weren’t of children known to him.

Following an investigation by the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department Internet Crimes Against Children unit, Lucas was charged with one count of second-degree distribution of child pornography, one count of second-degree maintaining child pornography in a file sharing program, and two counts of third-degree possession of child pornography.

“The state has filed a motion for the pretrial detention of Mr. Lucas, which will be heard by a Superior Court judge,” prosecutors said Friday.

Lucas is currently detained at the Passaic County Jail, where he will remain pending the disposition of the hearing, prosecutors said.

Anyone with additional information about the accusations against Lucas can contact the prosecutors’ tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org, or contact the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department at 973-389-5900.

According to prosecutors, second-degree distributing child pornography and second-degree maintaining child pornography both carry a maximum term of 10 years in New Jersey state prison, with mandatory minimum terms applicable to both offenses. Third-degree possession of child pornography carries a maximum term of five years to be served in New Jersey state prison. Parole supervision for life and Megan’s Law provisions would apply if Lucas is convicted.

NORTH CALDWELL SCHOOL OFFICIALS RELEASE STATEMENT

Superintendent Linda Freda and Board President Robert Projansky released a joint statement on Friday via the district website.

They said:

“We are writing to address a press release that was recently issued by law enforcement stating that a non-teaching staff employee of the district with very limited student contact was arrested on charges related to suspected child pornography. Law enforcement advised us that, while its investigation is ongoing, there is no evidence that any of our students were involved. As of yesterday, this individual is no longer employed by the district.

“We understand that this information causes concern in our community. Although the board and administration are legally constrained from discussing personnel matters publicly, you should be aware that at the time of hiring, we conduct a ‘Pass the Trash’ procedure as required by state law. Pursuant to these actions we confirm with prior employers that prospective employees have not been the subject of a child abuse investigation, disciplined for child abuse allegations, nor had a license suspended for any reason. In addition, all employees hired by the district must pass a background check. As part of that background check, employees are fingerprinted so that the district can be alerted of any future criminal charges.

“Please keep in mind that law enforcement has indicated that this is merely an accusation at this time and, despite this accusation, defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. We will of course fully cooperate with the authorities if called upon to assist. Although this individual was not well known to students, should your child express any anxiety or concern, please contact Superintendent Dr. Linda Freda at 973-712-4366.”

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