Former Brick Wrestling Star, Now Coach and Ref, Charged With Child Porn Distribution

Alec Donovan (Credit: Centenary University)

A 24-year-old former standout wrestler from Brick Township, who now coaches and referees in the sport, has been charged by federal prosecutors with distributing child pornography.

Alec Donovan, of Brick, is charged with receipt and distribution of child pornography. He appeared by videoconference Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.

Prosecutors allege that Donovan used an online messaging application to share videos containing child pornography over the Internet. From January 2021 through March 2021, Donovan allegedly sent three videos containing images of child sexual abuse and received two videos containing images of child sexual abuse via the web-based messaging application. The videos Donovan sent and received depicted sexual acts involving pre-pubescent children, a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s office said.

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Donovan is also accused of using the web-based messaging application to “solicit and engage in conversations with minors,” including requesting nude photographs from the minors and sending nude photographs to them.

The charge of receipt and distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.

Donovan’s performance on the wrestling mat earned him a state championship in 2015 when he was a senior at Brick Memorial High School. It was not clear where he was currently coaching or officiating wrestling, or what age groups he was working with. Brick school officials said Donovan is not, and has never been, an employee of the district.

The FBI’s Newark Field Office is asking anyone with information related to this case or who may be a victim to contact them at NK-Victim-Assistance@FBI.gov.

Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., with the investigation leading to Wednesday’s charge.