Chief accused of distributing child porn from NJ firehouse

AUDUBON PARK, N.J. (WPVI) -- State prosecutors have accused a New Jersey fire chief of using the firehouse computer to distribute child pornography online.

Authorities arrested 44-year-old John Terruso of Marlton at the Audubon Park Volunteer Fire Company in Camden County on Wednesday night.

The investigation began when a Homeland Security Investigations agent was monitoring a file-sharing network popular with offenders.

Investigators seized four laptop computers, a desktop computer, two external hard drives, a tablet, thumb drives and cellphones.

The state attorney general's office says a preliminary review of the equipment revealed over 1,000 files of suspected child pornography.

"We charge that Terruso sordidly abused the trust placed in him as fire chief by viewing and sharing child pornography at the fire station," said Acting Attorney General Hoffman in a statement.

"In doing so, he allegedly linked himself to the depraved network of offenders who, by sharing child pornography, perpetually re-victimize the children involved and directly motivate those who sexually exploit and torture children to create these vile materials," Hoffman continued.

Residents nearby were disgusted.

"It's sad to hear, really, on account of it's so close to me," said Walt Ashe. "Every day we go through there with my grandson. He's only seven years old."

Pornographic videos were visible inside Terruso's work van parked outside the firehouse.

Terruso is held on $150,000 bail, charged with distribution and possession of child pornography.