Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced that Evan George, 63, of Essex Fells was sentenced today by the Honorable Judge Joseph V. Isabella to four years in state prison for sharing child pornography.

In addition to the four years in New Jersey State Prison, George will have to register under Megan’s Law as a sex offender.

On March 11, 2014, George entered a guilty plea to second degree distribution of child pornography. He admitted procuring child pornography and allowing others to obtain it from him through the use of peer-to-peer software.

George was arrested in May 2011 by investigators from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit, the FBI, the Essex Fells Police and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant Prosecutor Deborah A. Freier who handled the case said, “Child pornography is not a victimless crime. The sexual abuse captured in these images and videos involves real children whose exploitation continues with the circulation of these files and the knowledge that strangers can watch and trade the worst moments of their lives forever.”

“The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office takes this kind of exploitation and abuse of children very seriously and will prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law,” Freier added.

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today the arrest of Evan George, 59, of Essex Fells for possession of child pornography.

A search warrant was executed at George’s home on May 9 by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit, the FBI, the Essex Fells Police, and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team. Law enforcement officers seized numerous videos of underage boys and girls engaged in prohibited sexual acts.

George was taken into custody and processed at the Essex Fells Police Department and then released. His first court appearance is scheduled for May 18.

“Internet child exploitation is a growing problem that will be seriously investigated and vigorously prosecuted. Every image, every video is a child being victimized. As criminals become more technologically savvy, law enforcement must continue to evolve to combat these crimes,’’ said Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Walter J. Dirkin.

These are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they plead guilty or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips hotline at 1-877-TIPS-7432 (1-877-847-7432).