West Milford man indicted on multiple counts of manufacturing child pornography
Paterson. Authorities said Tekanand Singh also is charged with sexual exploitation of a minor victim whom he met on the Internet.
| 23 May 2021 | 08:18
Tekanand Singh. Photo provided by the Passaic County Prosecutor.
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes announced that Tekanand Singh, 29, of West Milford, has been indicted on multiple counts related to the sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a minor victim, whom he met on the Internet.
After an initial investigation was commenced by the New York State Police, detectives from the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force assumed the investigation, with assistance from the West Milford Police Department.
According to the press release from the Passaic County Prosecutor’s office, detectives learned that the child victim met Singh on the Internet and that they utilized a messaging application to communicate. During the course of their exchange, Singh directed the victim to send him sexually explicit images and videos.
He further requested the victim engage in sexual acts, which he instructed should be recorded and sent to him. Singh also sent the victim photographs of himself.
All images were obtained by law enforcement.
Additionally, Singh sent the victim obscene materials and had conversations with the victim in an attempt to meet in person.
A Superior Court Judge previously granted the state’s motion for pretrial detention of the defendant and he is detained pending the disposition of the case.
Singh is scheduled for arraignment on a date to be determined before a Superior Court Judge.
The charges
A Passaic County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against Tekanand Singh on the following charges:
First-degree manufacturing of child pornography;
Second-degree distribution of child pornography;
Second-degree maintaining child pornography;
Second-degree sexual assault;
Second-degree luring;
Third-degree possession of child pornography;
Third-degree distribution of obscene material to a child;
Third-degree endangering the welfare of a child;
Third-degree criminal coercion; and
Fourth-degree criminal sexual contact.
The charges carry sentences ranging from 20 years to 18 months in state prison.
If convicted, Singh would be subject to parole supervision for life and Megan’s Law registration requirements.