FLORENCE — When police executed a search warrant at the home of a township man suspected of sharing child pornography online, he was found taking a hatchet to a tablet in an effort to destroy potential evidence, prosecutors say.

Brian M. Ayers, 57, was charged with second-degree distribution of and intent to distribute child pornography and third-degree possession of the images.

Authorities were alerted last month to Ayers's suspicious internet activities by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Burlington County Prosecutor Robert D. Bernardi said. Authorities said Ayers was reported to have been posting pornographic images online at that time.

Because he attempted to destroy his tablet he was also charged with one count of third-degree hindering apprehension or prosecution.

The investigation was conducted by the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office High-Tech Crimes Unit, the State Police and the Florence Township Police Department.

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Contact reporter Adam Hochron at 609-359-5326 or Adam.Hochron@townsquaremedia.com

 

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