Crime

Lincoln Police dispatcher charged with child pornography

Spencer Hughes of Randolph was arrested and charged in federal court Tuesday.

Lincoln, MA

Federal investigators arrested a dispatcher for the Lincoln Police Department on charges of receiving and possessing child pornography, according to the office of U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling.

Spencer Hughes, a 38-year-old from Randolph, was arrested early Tuesday morning after a search was executed at his home. Lelling’s office announced the arrest Wednesday. Investigators found a hard drive on his kitchen table with several pornographic images and videos of a girl who appeared to be 10 or 11 years old.

The Lincoln Police Department has placed Hughes on administrative leave without pay, according to a statement from chief of police A. Kevin Kennedy Wednesday. He wrote that the town will conduct its own investigation and act accordingly.

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The sentence for receiving child pornography is between five to 20 years in prison, and the charge for possession comes with up to 20 years. Both charges include a potential fine of up to $250,000 and at least five years of supervised release.

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