George M. Silebi, 27, the son of a former judge, was charged with using the internet to “view, download, and possess items depicting nude and/or sexually explicit prepubescent and pubescent children,” Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. The arrest came a week after detectives from Musella's Cyber Crimes Unit raided the home of Silebi's mother, former Superior Court Judge Liliana DeAvila-Silebi, who was removed from the bench in 2019 for abusing her authority.  

Silebi was arrested in Norwalk, Connecticut, with the assistance of Norwalk and Connecticut State Police. Silebi posted bail on a fugitive warrant and was released. Five days later, he surrendered to detectives from Musella's office. He is currently awaiting court action in Hackensack on charges of possession of child pornography.  

Child pornography charges are extremely serious. Because the general public, law enforcement, and the courts view these acts as particularly atrocious, prosecutors in these cases may be more likely to impose the maximum penalties on individuals convicted of these crimes. If you are facing charges of child pornography, you must have an experienced defense attorney on your side. Contact the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team today at 888.535.3686 or through our online form to ensure the best possible outcome in your case.  

Child Porn Charges in New Jersey 

The law defines childhood pornography is as “any visual depiction, including any photograph, film, video, picture, or computer-generated image or picture, whether made or produced by electronic, mechanical, or other means, of sexually explicit conduct where: 

• The production of such visual depiction involves the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct; 
• Such visual depiction is a digital image, computer image, or computer-generated image that is, or is indistinguishable from, that of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct or such. Visual depiction has been created, adapted, or modified to appear that an identifiable minor is engaging in sexually explicit conduct.” 

In New Jersey, crimes involving child porn are usually charged as child endangerment. Several categories exist for classifying these charges, including indictable offenses, disorderly person offenses, and petty disorderly offenses. In New Jersey, possessing photos, videos, or other images depicting child porn is typically considered a third-degree offense. The consequences of such a charge can be life-altering. Those convicted face up to 5 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines. Anyone convicted of a sexually-based offense is usually required to register as a sex offender and submit a DNA sample. However, these charges can be escalated if you are accused of creating, distributing, or transporting child pornographic material.  

Don't Leave Your Defense Up to Chance. Contact the Lento Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team Today 

The last thing you want to do when facing charges of child pornography is to give your case to any defense attorney, thinking one is as good as any other. Don't make that mistake with your life. You need to act quickly to build a strong case in your defense. Contact the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team today at 888.535.3686 or through our online form to ensure the best possible outcome in your case.