Local College Student Arrested on Child Porn Charges
A New Bedford college student is facing child pornography charges after being arrested by university police Monday.
According to The Brockton Enterprise, Thomas Masse, 18, of New Bedford, was charged with possession of child pornography and distribution of material of a child in the nude.
The Bridgewater State University freshman has been suspended pending a university investigation.
Masse allegedly accessed the materials using a smartphone and shared images through an online chat room, according to The Enterprise.
He was arraigned in Brockton District Court Tuesday morning where he pleaded not guilty and was released on personal recognizance. The conditions of his release include that he stay away from and have no contact with children under the age of 16, cannot have internet access or use any electronic devices including smartphones.
There is no evidence that any of Masse's criminal activity took place on campus or that he used the university's computer network. Still, it has left a strong impression on the local campus.
"Today we are all appalled to learn of the arrest of a freshman Bridgewater State student on charges of possession and distribution of child pornography. Words cannot express how upset I am by these events," BSU president Frederick Clark stated in an email to students and faculty Tuesday afternoon. "This is an isolated incident that we will pursue vigorously."
Masse is due back in court for a probable cause hearing December 28th.