Introduction
A 27-year-old man from New Jersey was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to distributing child pornography and committing cruelty to animals. The case, which involved more than 9,000 illegal videos, came to light after a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
At a Glance
- Defendant: Hunter Roy, 27, from Burlington County
- Charges: Distribution of child pornography, endangering a child’s welfare, animal cruelty
- Evidence: Over 9,000 files depicting sexual abuse of minors and animals
- Outcome: Guilty plea in September 2025, six-year prison sentence
Why it matters
The case highlights the ongoing threat of online sexual exploitation and the legal consequences for those who facilitate it.
Context
Hunter Roy was arrested on May 8, 2025 after investigators received a tip from NCMEC. The tip led to an inquiry into Roy’s online activities. During the investigation, authorities uncovered more than 9,000 files that included child sexual abuse material and recordings of Roy engaging in sexual acts with a Rottweiler and a small dog. The files also showed Roy communicating sexually with an underage boy and trading the animal videos for other sexual content.
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the evidence revealed Roy’s intent to trade his animal-abuse videos for additional child pornography. The investigation also identified that Roy had shared the content on various online platforms, facilitating the spread of illegal material.
Legal Proceedings
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 8, 2025 | Arrest of Hunter Roy following NCMEC tip |
| September 2025 | Guilty plea to endangering a child’s welfare and cruelty to animals |
| September 2025 | Sentencing: six years in prison |
During the plea, Roy admitted to distributing more than 9,000 illegal files. He also acknowledged communicating in a sexual manner with an underage boy and trading videos of animal abuse for other sexual content. The prosecution argued that Roy’s actions constituted both child endangerment and animal cruelty, which are punishable under state law.
The judge, after reviewing the evidence, accepted the plea agreement. The sentencing followed standard guidelines for offenses involving child sexual exploitation and animal cruelty. The court emphasized the severity of Roy’s conduct and the potential harm to both minors and animals.
Sentencing
The judge imposed a six-year prison term, reflecting the seriousness of the charges. The sentence was the result of a plea deal that avoided a lengthy trial. Roy will serve his sentence in a state correctional facility, with the possibility of parole after serving the mandatory portion of his term.
The court also noted that Roy’s actions had contributed to the broader problem of online sexual exploitation. By trading animal-abuse videos for child pornography, he helped perpetuate a cycle of illegal content that could reach other victims.
Impact
This case serves as a warning to individuals who exploit minors and animals online. Law enforcement agencies, such as the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and NCMEC, continue to collaborate to identify and prosecute offenders. Resources for victims of sexual assault remain available through the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673.
The sentencing underscores the legal system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations. It also highlights the importance of timely reporting and thorough investigations in cases involving online exploitation.
Key Takeaways
- A New Jersey man was sentenced to six years for distributing child pornography and animal cruelty.
- The investigation uncovered over 9,000 illegal videos, including sexual abuse of minors and animals.
- The case demonstrates the collaborative effort between local prosecutors and national child-abuse organizations.
- Victims can seek support through national hotlines and resource centers.
Conclusion
Hunter Roy’s conviction and sentencing reinforce the legal consequences of engaging in sexual exploitation and animal cruelty. The case illustrates the critical role of national organizations in identifying and prosecuting offenders, and it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to protect vulnerable individuals from online predators.
