Congresswoman Watson Coleman, AG Davenport, Superintendent Hengemuhle, announce record Federal funding for State Police’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
The $675,000 earmarked by Watson Coleman will fund the purchase of new hardware and digital forensic licensing software to combat trafficking and exploitation.
Ewing, NJ (August 3, 2026) - Today, at the Regional Operations Intelligence Center, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced the awarding of $675,000 in federal funding for the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), a division of the New Jersey State Police. Congresswoman Watson Coleman sits on the Appropriations Committee and secured the funding through the Community Project Funding program. She was joined by New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police Jeanne Hengemuhle, and Lieutenant Paul Sciortino, New Jersey ICAC Task Force Commander.
Through undercover operations across the internet, including the dark web and social media platforms, ICAC aggressively investigates, tracks, and prosecutes offenders involved in producing or distributing child sexual abuse materials.
“Keeping our children safe is one of the most important responsibilities we have in Federal, State, and Local Government,” said Watson Coleman. “When the State Police approached me seeking help to better protect our kids, I made this funding a top priority. I’m grateful to have allies like AG Davenport and Superintendent Hengemuhle as we work to make New Jersey the best place in the country to raise a family.”
“The skilled investigators, prosecutors, and staff assigned to the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force work tirelessly in the shadows of the internet's darkest corners to expose and prosecute criminals who use the anonymity of the internet and its seemingly limitless platforms and apps to prey upon the innocent and vulnerable,” said Attorney General Jennifer Davenport. “It is absolutely critical that law enforcement not merely keep pace, but get ahead of those intent on harming our children. The much needed grant funding obtained by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman will support the task force as it conducts this painstaking and collaborative work while supporting critical training and community outreach. I want to thank Congresswoman Watson Coleman for standing with us – and New Jersey’s children – in this fight.”
“We are grateful to Congresswoman Watson Coleman for her dedication and efforts in helping secure critical funding for our task force. As the internet continues to play an increasingly significant role in the daily lives of children, and as young people spend more time connected online than ever before, the need to protect them from exploitation and other online dangers has become even more critical,” said Jeanne Hengemuhle, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “This funding is essential in our mission to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, and strengthen our ability to investigate these crimes, seek justice, and safeguard children from those who seek to harm them.”
In 2025, ICAC received and processed over 35,476 CyberTips from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and effected 404 arrests, a 54% increase over the previous year. In addition, their outreach programs related to child online safety reached approximately 24,000 parents and children in 2025.
To report suspected online exploitation or improper contact with a minor, contact the NJ ICAC Task Force tip line at 1-888-648-6007.