BOSTON (WWLP) – A Provincetown man was arrested Thursday on charges of child pornography. It is alleged that the defendant possessed several thousand images and videos containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Lawrence Pagnoni, 63, was charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. Pagnoni was released on conditions after appearing in federal court in Boston this afternoon before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal.
In March of 2023, an individual arrested in a child exploitation sting reported to law enforcement that Pagnoni distributed CSAM to him via the online cloud storage platform Mega. This individual was alleged to have received thousands of CSAM files from Pagnoni. A search of Pagnoni’s home in Provincetown in May of 2023 led to the seizure of a number of items, including Pagnoni’s cellphone. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, several thousand image files and video files containing CSAM were discovered during a subsequent search of Pagnoni’s cellphone.
Distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. A fine of up to $250,000 may also be imposed. Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Kayleigh Thomas is a digital reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since 2022. Follow Kayleigh on X @kayleighcthomas and view her bio to see more of her work.
