A former Westboro middle school gym teacher and girls basketball coach is facing up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to one Massachusetts possession of pornography criminal charge. Brian Rossi, 37, was arrested last February after images of kids taking part in sexually explicit activities were discovered in his home during a search. Rossi’s sentencing is scheduled for February.
Arresting officers say Rossi threatened to commit suicide. He was given a psychiatric evaluation at St. Vincent Hospital and then placed under home confinement, where he has been taking medication to treat his depression and anxiety. He is also undergoing therapy.
Rossi’s Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer has asked the judge to let Rossi stay confined at home until he is sentenced so he can continue getting treatment. Rossi has admitted to owning the child pornography videos but there are no allegations or evidence that he ever touched anyone inappropriately. According to his psychological evaluation, the former teacher is not likely to reoffend.
Child Pornography
Child pornography is considered a violent crime and state and federal sentencing guidelines exist for distribution or possession of child pornography. Merely having child pornography in your possession can throw you in prison and require you to to register as a sex offender when you get out of prison. This can negatively affect your professional opportunities and personal and social relationships and alter the course of your life.
Under the General Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 272: Section 29C, possession of child pornography consists of knowingly buying or having in your possession visual material showing a person under 18 engaged in sexual conduct.
Teacher guilty in child porn, Telegram, December 5, 2009
Ex-Mass. school gym teacher guilty of child porn, Boston Herald, December 5, 2009
Related Web Resources:
Chapter 272: Section 29C. Knowing purchase or possession of visual material of child depicted in sexual conduct; punishment, The General Laws of Massachusetts
What is Child Pornography?, Missing Kids
Contact our Boston child pornography lawyers and ask for your free case evaluation.