April 4, 2000

MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SEX CHARGES 

      TRENTON – A Lawrence man pleaded guilty today to charges that he videotaped three boys for sexual gratification, First Assistant Prosecutor Charles E. Waldron announced.

      Vincent W. Widmann (DOB 11/15/48), of the 1700 block of Princeton Avenue, faces a maximum 24 years in jail under the terms of the plea agreement, Waldron said, adding that the prosecutor’s office will seek the maximum prison term when Widmann is sentenced.

      Widmann was arrested May 20, 1999, following the execution of a search warrant at his home. The search warrant was obtained after a male juvenile reported to police seeing pornographic material inside the home that appeared to depict underage boys.

      Assistant Prosecutor Dorothy Hersh prosecuted Widmann. In addition to township police, the State Police High Techology Crime Unit assisted in the investigation.

      Widmann was initially charged in connection with one victim, but as a result of the investigation, two other victims were identified. According to victims’ statements, Widmann offered to pay the youths to disrobe so he could videotape them and said that he was conducting sexual research.

      Widmann pleaded guilty today to charges related to all three victims, aged 12, 13 and 14. He pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault based on sexual contact during one of videotapings and to two counts of endangering the welfare of a child by having that child undress to be videotaped for sexual gratification.

      Under the terms of the plea agreement, Widmann could receive an eight-year term for each count and those terms could run consecutively, making the maximum possible incarceration 24 years. Widmann, who has no prior record, will also be subject to the registration requirements under Megan’s Law and be required to undergo a mandatory evaluation at the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center at Avenel.

      Widmann is scheduled to be sentenced July 14 by Superior Court Judge Andrew J. Smithson.