Bergen Man Charged with Child Sex Abuse Materials
A 62-year-old Closter resident was arrested on Friday following a joint investigation by local authorities and federal agents into the possession of child sexual abuse materials. Kurt A. Hildenbrand was taken into custody in Paramus and charged with third-degree possession of child pornography after investigators determined he used the internet to access explicit content depicting minors, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
The arrest came after members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit, working in coordination with the FBI, initiated an internet child sexual abuse material investigation on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, as reported by Patch.com.
Investigation and Charges
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella, who announced the arrest, stated that the investigation revealed Hildenbrand “used the Internet to view, download, and possess items depicting nude and/or sexually explicit prepubescent children.” Following his arrest, Hildenbrand was transported to the Bergen County Jail, where he remains in custody awaiting his first appearance in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack.
The investigation was conducted under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. Prosecutor Musella credited the FBI Newark Division and Closter Police Department for their assistance with the case, highlighting the multi-agency cooperation that led to the arrest.
Hildenbrand has been charged with third-degree possession of child pornography under New Jersey Statute N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4, according to an official statement from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. In New Jersey, third-degree crimes typically carry potential prison sentences of 3-5 years and fines up to $15,000.
Legal Implications
New Jersey has some of the strictest laws in the country regarding child pornography offenses. Under state law, it is illegal to possess, view, distribute, share, receive, photograph, or allow a child to engage in child pornography. The state defines a “child” as any person under 18 years of age, regardless of age of consent laws that may apply to other offenses.
According to legal experts, third-degree possession of child pornography in New Jersey is considered a serious offense with significant consequences beyond potential incarceration. Convicted individuals may also face mandatory sex offender registration under Megan’s Law, parole supervision requirements, and various other long-term penalties that can affect employment, housing, and other aspects of life.
“Possession of child pornography in New Jersey requires the convicted offender to knowingly possess or view illegal child pornography,” explains the Sigler Law Firm, which specializes in such cases. “In addition to prison time and fines, convicted offenders may also be required to register with the public sex offenders list.”
Background on the Accused
According to public records and social media profiles reviewed by local news outlets, Hildenbrand is a married father who reportedly works at General Mills. He is also a graduate of Bergen Catholic High School. Until now, there had been no public record of previous criminal charges against him related to this type of offense.
Neighbors expressed shock upon learning of the arrest, with several residents of Closter, an affluent suburban community of approximately 8,500 residents in northern Bergen County, indicating they had no prior concerns about Hildenbrand’s behavior. The community, known for its excellent school system and family-friendly environment, has been unsettled by the news.
Law enforcement officials have not indicated whether they believe there are any direct victims beyond those depicted in the materials allegedly in Hildenbrand’s possession, nor have they specified whether there is an ongoing investigation into potential additional charges.
Increasing Focus on Cyber Crimes
This arrest comes amid increased efforts by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to combat the distribution and possession of child sexual abuse materials. In recent years, New Jersey authorities have prioritized investigations into these types of cyber crimes, establishing specialized units and task forces dedicated to identifying and prosecuting offenders.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit works closely with federal partners like the FBI to trace digital evidence across jurisdiction lines, employing sophisticated forensic techniques to identify suspects. These investigations often involve monitoring file-sharing networks, responding to tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and conducting detailed forensic analyses of electronic devices.
Law enforcement agencies at all levels have increasingly allocated resources toward combating the distribution of child sexual abuse materials, recognizing the significant harm caused to the children victimized in the production of such content.
Next Steps in the Case
Following his detention at Bergen County Jail, Hildenbrand is expected to make his first appearance in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack in the coming days. At that time, a judge will review the charges against him and potentially make determinations regarding bail or continued detention pending trial.
The case will likely proceed to grand jury review, where prosecutors will present evidence to determine whether there is sufficient cause to indict Hildenbrand on the current charge or potentially additional charges based on further investigation.
Authorities have not publicly detailed the specific evidence against Hildenbrand beyond the general description of the materials he allegedly possessed, nor have they indicated whether the investigation has concluded or remains ongoing.
