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N.J. teacher accused of uploading child pornography posed as a teen in chat app, officials say
February 28, 2025
A former technology educator from Union County, Matthew Serwedes, 48, has been charged with serious offenses related to child sexual abuse material. According to an affidavit from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, Serwedes allegedly posed as a teenager on an encrypted messaging platform to engage with other users. He faces charges of second-degree distribution and third-degree possession of child sexual abuse material, following an investigation that began with a tip received on December 5, 2024.
Details of the Investigation
Authorities reported that the user identified as “austinwestmore” had uploaded disturbing images of child exploitation to the messaging application Kik. Investigators traced three videos depicting sexual abuse to Serwedes’ IP address, leading them to his residence. A subsequent data warrant revealed that the austinwestmore account claimed to represent a 17 or 18-year-old male.
During a search of Serwedes’ home, several electronic devices were confiscated. Investigators noted that Serwedes acknowledged the hidden Kik application on his phone when questioned. He admitted to owning the austinwestmore account and using this online persona to participate in group chats, including one intended for users aged 12 to 18. Furthermore, he confessed to viewing child exploitation materials but claimed not to remember sending the videos that initiated the investigation.
Response from the Educational Institution
Serwedes, who previously taught technology at a middle school in Clark, was placed on administrative leave immediately following his arrest. The school district has stated that they are cooperating fully with authorities and emphasized that there is no evidence to suggest any students were involved in Serwedes’ alleged activities.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Serwedes remains in custody at the Somerset County Jail, awaiting a detention hearing. His attorney, Darryl Richardson, has indicated that he plans to plead not guilty and is currently awaiting the complete set of investigative materials from the authorities. Richardson has refrained from providing additional comments regarding the charges at this time.
In a poignant gesture, Serwedes reportedly penned a six-page apology letter addressed to the victims and their families, as detailed in the charging affidavit.
N.J. teacher accused of uploading child pornography posed as a teen in chat app, officials say
A former technology educator from Union County, Matthew Serwedes, 48, has been charged with serious offenses related to child sexual abuse material. According to an affidavit from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, Serwedes allegedly posed as a teenager on an encrypted messaging platform to engage with other users. He faces charges of second-degree distribution and third-degree possession of child sexual abuse material, following an investigation that began with a tip received on December 5, 2024.
Details of the Investigation
Authorities reported that the user identified as “austinwestmore” had uploaded disturbing images of child exploitation to the messaging application Kik. Investigators traced three videos depicting sexual abuse to Serwedes’ IP address, leading them to his residence. A subsequent data warrant revealed that the austinwestmore account claimed to represent a 17 or 18-year-old male.
During a search of Serwedes’ home, several electronic devices were confiscated. Investigators noted that Serwedes acknowledged the hidden Kik application on his phone when questioned. He admitted to owning the austinwestmore account and using this online persona to participate in group chats, including one intended for users aged 12 to 18. Furthermore, he confessed to viewing child exploitation materials but claimed not to remember sending the videos that initiated the investigation.
Response from the Educational Institution
Serwedes, who previously taught technology at a middle school in Clark, was placed on administrative leave immediately following his arrest. The school district has stated that they are cooperating fully with authorities and emphasized that there is no evidence to suggest any students were involved in Serwedes’ alleged activities.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Serwedes remains in custody at the Somerset County Jail, awaiting a detention hearing. His attorney, Darryl Richardson, has indicated that he plans to plead not guilty and is currently awaiting the complete set of investigative materials from the authorities. Richardson has refrained from providing additional comments regarding the charges at this time.
In a poignant gesture, Serwedes reportedly penned a six-page apology letter addressed to the victims and their families, as detailed in the charging affidavit.