Gardner Man Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography

BOSTON – A Gardner man was arrested yesterday on a charge of possession of child pornography.  

Michael Irons, 44, was charged with one count of possession of child pornography. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester today, Irons was released to home detention.

According to the charging documents, during a search of Iron’s residence today, federal agents discovered two cell phones in Iron’s bedroom – belonging to him – that a preliminary search revealed to contain at least 200 videos of child pornography.

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

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the Gardner and Worcester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Sun of Lelling’s Worcester office is prosecuting the case. 

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

The details contained in the complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.