MARLBOROUGH – A Marlborough resident who works as an American Sign Language professor is facing federal charges connected with the receipt, distribution and possession of child pornography.
According to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court on Monday, July 17, an agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England began an investigation based on a lead from a HSI office in South Carolina.
An agent operating undercover “observed the account user disseminate videos and images of child pornography in a group on the platform.”
The user was reportedly identified as Larry Stephen, of Marlborough.
Around 6 a.m. on Wednesday, June 7, HSI went to Stephen’s residence, along with Marlborough police and MBTA Police, and executed search warrants.
The Transit Police provided an officer familiar with ASL in order to communicate with Stephen.
Stephen told authorities he had one cell phone, a laptop and an iPad, and provided his passcode to his phone and laptop. He said he also maintained several social media accounts, including the one alleged to be connected to child pornography.
Stephen allowed agents to search through his social media platforms and applications.
During the interview, Stephen said he denied “consuming child pornography, including trading, distributing or possessing,” according to the documents. He said he did receive child pornography from other parties.
When accessing these accounts, agents alleged finding several chat rooms and video files containing adults engaging in sexual activities with children.
Stephen denied sending any of the material, “and encouraged agents to further investigate this matter.”
Based on their investigation, the HSI agent said there was “probable cause” to believe that Stephen knowingly disseminated child pornography.
Stephen made his initial court appearance on July 18.
