In the consent order, Richard Baine says he won't get a job in nursing or represent himself as a nurse, authorities said
TRENTON -- A nurse charged with distributing child pornography has surrendered his license to practice while his case proceeds, authorities said Tuesday.
Richard Baine was unemployed when he was arrested March 20 on child pornography charges, authorities said.
His license suspension means he can't practice as a nurse or represent himself as a nurse anywhere in New Jersey at least until his criminal case is resolved, according to a consent order announced by the state Attorney General's Office and the state Division of Consumer Affairs.
Baine signed the order temporarily suspending his license on April 7. The state Board of Nursing can take additional action once his case is resolved, according to the order.
"The exploitation of children, such as that alleged here, is one of the most serious crimes that can be committed. When a nurse is facing these types of charges, the action taken by the board is not only appropriate, but necessary," Attorney General Christopher Porrino said in a press release. "We must protect the public from those who refuse to live up to the moral standards demanded as a condition of their licensure."
The surrender of a license does not constitute an admission of guilt, Consumer Affairs Director Steve Lee said.
"When alerted to these charges, the board moved quickly to secure the surrender of this nurse's license," Lee said in the release. "It is important to maintain the integrity of the nursing profession, particularly in light of such serious charges. Public safety and confidence depend on it."
Baine, a 33-year-old Eatontown resident was charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child after a two-month investigation.
In a search of his Lakeview Terrace home, police found evidence of his viewing and sharing images of child pornography on his computers and various electronic devices, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni said at the time.
One of the endangering charges is related to distribution and the other is related to possession, authorities have said.
MaryAnn Spoto may be reached at mspoto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @MaryAnnSpoto. Find NJ.com on Facebook.