GLOUCESTER, Mass. — A Gloucester police officer placed on paid administrative leave nearly two weeks ago is facing child porn charges, authorities confirmed on Friday afternoon.
Alexander Aiello, 34, of Gloucester, was charged with one count of possession of child porn. He will appear in federal court at a later date, according to the Department of Justice.
Aiello is a patrol officer with the Gloucester Police Department.
Charging documents allege he is a user with a registered account for a dark website that allows him to download, view, advertise, and distribute child sexual abuse material.
After executing a search warrant on his residence, federal authorities say they seized his cell phone, laptop and a USB thumb drive, which all showed evidence of having recently used a dark web browser.
“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 United States Attorney Leah B. Foley.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for 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.
“Every officer swears an oath to serve the public with integrity,” Chief Edward Conley said. “We hold ourselves to a higher standard, and we place tremendous importance on maintaining the trust of those we serve.”
He said there is no information indicating that the investigation is related to any conduct performed while on duty or related to their duties as a Gloucester Police Department employee.
“The allegations being faced by this officer run counter to every value of the Gloucester Police Department,” Chief Conley said. “The Gloucester Police Department is cooperating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office as noted in their statement today, and will continue to do so.”
Mayor Greg Verga said in statement:
“The City of Gloucester takes this matter with the utmost seriousness. As Mayor, I want to assure our residents that we are fully cooperating with our federal partners and remain committed to a thorough and transparent process. These charges are incredibly concerning, and the behavior that has been uncovered is both unacceptable and reprehensible. We understand that situations like this can impact public confidence, and that trust is something we must continue to earn every day. My administration stands firmly behind the principles of accountability and integrity, and we will support our Police Department as it continues to uphold the high standards expected by the people of Gloucester. We remain focused on maintaining the safety and trust of our community.”
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