A Wilmington, North Carolina resident, Barry Grant Bevier, 61, faces charges for transporting and possessing child pornography. Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced the charges in Newark, New Jersey.
Bevier was charged with one count of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams in Newark federal court and was detained.
The case documents reveal that on November 26, 2024, Bevier returned from an international trip via a flight landing at Newark Liberty International Airport. Law enforcement officers conducted a search on his cellular phone and discovered approximately forty-five photographs and twenty-one videos depicting child sexual abuse material. Among the content found were multiple photographs and videos allegedly taken by Bevier himself, along with a "selfie" image featuring him with one of the victims.
The charge of transportation of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and could lead to a maximum sentence of 20 years. The possession charge also has a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Each count includes fines up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense.
Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna acknowledged the efforts of special agents from Homeland Security Investigations ("HSI")—Newark under Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas for their role in leading to these charges. He also expressed gratitude towards U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New Jersey for their assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor A. Chenoweth from the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark represents the government in this case.
"The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations," emphasized authorities, "and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty."
Defense counsel for Bevier is Paul A. Di Lella, Esq., based in Parsippany.