Shrewsbury High School robotics team mentor facing federal child pornography charges

BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE) — A mentor for the Shrewsbury High School Robotics Team was arrested Monday for allegedly possessing and transporting child pornography.

According to charging documents, 60-year-old Brian Lingard, of Shrewsbury was charged with transportation and possession of child pornography after his arrest Monday morning and appeared in court later that day.

According to a federal complaint, on October 19, of this year, Lingard flew from Paris to Boston. During a customs screening, it is alleged that Lingard was found to be in possession of images depicting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on his phone.

Officials said a subsequent search of Lingard’s devices revealed an additional collection of CSAM.

Data taken from an SD card in Lingard’s phone allegedly revealed 23 images of CSAM depicting minors that appeared to be under 10-years-old who have previously be identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

It is further alleged that the SD card also contained multiple images of fully-clothed girls who appear to be in a school setting. The images appear to have been taken in a secretive manner and according to charging documents, “focused on the buttocks of the minor females.”

A review of the metadata associated with the photos allegedly revealed that some of the photos were taken at Shrewsbury High School.

The Department of Justice said the charge of transportation of child pornography provides for a prison sentence between five and 20 years, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possessing child pornography provides a sentence of up to 20 years in prison along with a maximum fine of $250,000.

Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding Lingard or this case are encouraged to call 617-748-3274.