Connect with us

Massachusetts

Massachusetts police officer charged with child pornography: ‘Possessing images of children being sexually abused’

Published

on

Massachusetts police officer charged with child pornography: ‘Possessing images of children being sexually abused’


A local police officer has been busted for allegedly receiving child sexual abuse material.

Alexander Aiello, 24, a cop with the Gloucester Police Department, has been charged by the feds with one count of possession of child pornography.

Aiello was allegedly identified by the feds as a user of dark website, which provided a platform for users to download, view, advertise and distribute child pornography.

“As a law enforcement officer, Mr. Aiello was entrusted with safeguarding the community – and that includes protecting children from exploitation and abuse. Instead, he allegedly participated in one of the most reprehensible forms of exploitation,” said Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Leah Foley.

Advertisement

“This case underscores our unwavering commitment to combating child exploitation in all its forms,” Foley added. “Whether the offender is a private citizen or a public official, our mission remains the same: to protect children and pursue justice for victims.”

Law enforcement seized his phone and laptop, as well as a USB thumb drive, which was found in Aiello’s nightstand in his bedroom.

The feds allegedly found on his laptop an application that provides anonymous web access and access to dark web hidden services.

“As a police officer, Alexander Aiello was sworn to protect and serve, but today, the FBI arrested him for possessing images of children being sexually abused,” said James Crowley, acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.

“Those who seek out this despicable material are perpetuating the victimization of innocent children,” Crowley added. “That’s why the FBI’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force diligently pursues these cases. Protecting kids from this physical and emotional trauma is our priority.”

Advertisement

The charge of receipt of child pornography can lead to a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274 or contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.

Originally Published:



Source link

Advertisement

Massachusetts

School closings and delays for Massachusetts on Friday, March 6

Published

on

School closings and delays for Massachusetts on Friday, March 6


Several school districts in Massachusetts have delayed the start of classes for Friday, March 6 because of a mix of sleet, freezing rain and snow.

Take a look below for the full list of school closings and delays.

The list displays all public schools in alphabetical order, followed by private schools and then colleges and universities.

Advertisement

Delays on this page are current as of

Advertisement

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Massachusetts

Body part found in Shirley, Massachusetts pond, police suspect foul play

Published

on

Body part found in Shirley, Massachusetts pond, police suspect foul play



A body part was found in a pond in Shirley, Massachusetts and investigators said foul play is suspected.

Advertisement

It was discovered around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday as a group of people were walking along Veterans Memorial Bridge on Shaker Road.

Police said the group noticed something suspicious in the water of Phoenix Pond. The Middlesex District Attorney confirmed that the item was a body part, but would not elaborate.

Police shut down the road and divers could be seen exploring the pond late Wednesday. Authorities were back at the scene Thursday morning.

No other information is available at this point in the investigation.

Phoenix Pond connects to the Catacoonamug Brook, which flows into the Nashua River. It’s also connected to Lake Shirley.

Advertisement

Shirley, Massachusetts is about 44 miles northwest of Boston and around 13 miles from the New Hampshire border. 



Source link

Continue Reading

Massachusetts

Foul play suspected after human remains found in water in Shirley

Published

on

Foul play suspected after human remains found in water in Shirley


Human remains were discovered Wednesday in the water in Shirley, Massachusetts, and authorities suspect foul play.

Police in Shirley said in a social media post at 7:15 p.m. that they responded to “a suspicious object in the water near the Maritime Veterans Memorial Bridge on Shaker Road.” Massachusetts State Police later said the object was believed to be human remains.

The bridge crosses Catacoonamug Brook near Phoenix Pond.

The office of Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said a group of young people was walking in the area around 5:30 p.m. and “reported seeing what appeared to be something consistent with a body part in the water.”

Advertisement

Foul play is suspected, Ryan’s office said.

Authorities will continue investigating overnight into Thursday, and an increased police presence is expected in the area.

No further information was immediately available.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending