A retired sergeant from the Paterson Police Department has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for distributing child pornography videos through an online group chat, according to federal authorities in Texas on Tuesday.

Ryan N. Curving, 50, of Texas City, has been sentenced for distributing child pornography. Curving pleaded guilty on August 22, 2023, and is required to serve 120 months in federal prison.

Curving sent child pornography videos to five other individuals through Kik Messenger, authorities said. He joined a Kik group that is known for trading child pornography, pictures of relatives, and holding discussions around fantasies of familial sexual abuse, authorities said.

Law enforcement took notice after he distributed child pornography using his Kik account. His residence was raided on December 6, 2022.

Authorities said Curving at the time admitted to downloading and sharing child pornography with other Kik users. He told authorities he had been curious about child pornography for two years.

Curving’s Kik account was terminated after child pornography was discovered by an administrator, but he created another account to continue his conduct, authorities said.

“Curving hid behind a computer and watched helpless minor children being raped and abused,” said Alamdar S. Hamdani, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, whose office prosecuted the former police officer. “It is deplorable that someone who worked as an officer for 25 years and took an oath to serve and protect the public, did just the opposite. This sentence demonstrates our dedication to holding anyone – regardless of their background – accountable for their part in the exchange of images that do nothing more than harm innocent lives.”

Curving had joined the Paterson police in 1996.

Authorities said Curving will also serve 10 years of supervised release after completing his prison term. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.