New information outlines the case against Benjamin Hogan, the Hopkinton Middle School custodian charged with possession of child pornography.
Documents that the Independent obtained from Milford District Court detail the criminal complaint filed against Hogan. As well, a statement of fact filed by the Massachusetts State Police Cyber Crime Unit/Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force outlines the investigation into Hogan’s alleged crimes.
According to the statement, Trooper Ryan Cooney — a member of the Cyber Crime Unit — first became aware Hogan might be in possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on Aug. 24. On that date, Cooney noticed an IP address associated with Hogan was linked into BitTorrent, a decentralized, peer-to-peer file-sharing system.
Subsequent queries into the “suspect device” allegedly belonging to Hogan confirmed files downloaded onto the device from BitTorrent were in fact CSAM. Surveillance on Hogan’s home in Hopedale then led to Cooney requesting a search warrant.
Members of the Massachusetts State Police Cyber Crime Unit executed the warrant on Nov. 1. Troopers found a laptop belonging to Hogan at his Hopedale residence and confirmed “numerous files containing CSAM” were present on the device.
State Police connected with the Hopkinton Police Department and Hopkinton Public Schools Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh that same day. Officials from the HPD and the State Police met at Hopkinton Middle School to apprehend Hogan.
Upon informing Hogan of the purpose of their visit, Hogan invoked his right to counsel. He then was booked into the State Police barracks in Millbury.
These details appear to confirm an earlier statement by Cavanaugh that no Hopkinton students were involved in these charges. Hogan since had a plea of not guilty entered on his behalf in district court. He was being held on a $10,000 bond.
It is typical of child predators to work or volunteer near children. This monster worked around hundreds of children, in Hopkinton’s schools, everyday, and nobody seemingly knew. So far, it seems Hopkinton’s children had no improper interactions with this pervert. He will not fare well in jail or prison, rightfully so. Our children are by far our most important responsibility. Great work by the Cyber Crime Unit.