Hanson Man Charged with Child Enticement

BOSTON – A Hanson man was arrested today and charged in U.S. District Court in Boston in connection with sending sexually explicit videos to two pre-teen girls.

Mark L. Leach, 48, was charged in a criminal complaint with one count of coercion and enticement of a child.  Leach is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley at 4:30 p.m. today.

According to the complaint, law enforcement learned that Leach had used the Skype screen name “funtimehockey” to send sexually explicit messages via text, live video and audio with two pre-teen girls.  The victims told law enforcement that Leach asked them to send naked and sexually explicit photos and videos of themselves.  Leach also allegedly exposed himself. 

Leach was arrested by law enforcement this morning as he was leaving his home.  According to the complaint, during a consensual interview, Leach admitted that he had set up the Skype account to communicate with the minor girls, and requested that the girls expose themselves to him during conversations.  He also admitted that he masturbated in front of them. 

The charging statute provides for a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years and no greater than a lifetime in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Colonel Richard D. McKeon, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Hanson Police Chief Michael Miksch; and Whitman Police Chief Scott D. Benton, made the announcement today.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit.

Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information related to this case, or any information relating to the sexual exploitation of children, should call (617) 748-3274.

The details contained in the complaint are allegations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.