Swanzey Man Pleads Guilty To Possessing Child Pornography

          CONCORD – David Maclean, 71, of Swanzey, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation began in July of 2017 with the Maricopa County Sherriff’s Department Cyber Crimes Unit in Phoenix, Arizona.  Maclean previously resided in Arizona.  In September of 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the defendant's residence.  A review of various electronic devices found in the residence showed that they contained images and videos of child pornography. 

          Maclean is scheduled to be sentenced on July 13, 2018.

          “Protecting children is a high priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Child pornography crimes cause untold amounts of damage to their young victims.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who possess, manufacture or distribute child pornography.”

          “Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is dedicated to working together with our law enforcement partners to bring about justice in child exploitation cases like this one,” said Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge, HSI, Boston.  “We will continue to take a coordinated team effort and ensure that child predators, whether they produce or distribute these vile, disturbing images be held accountable for their offenses.” 

              This matter was investigated in New Hampshire by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Helen White Fitzgibbon.

          In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov

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