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Matthew Bistany, a Methuen police officer, was arrested at his Methuen home on Tuesday, Aug. 8, and charged with child pornography, according to the Massachusetts State Police.
State troopers and Methuen police searched his home after an investigation found that the 51-year-old cop had uploaded child porn from a computer at his home, authorities said.
The investigation began after the Massachusetts State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Bistany was placed on leave pending the outcome of the criminal charges as well as an internal investigation. It's unclear if it is paid leave. Calls seeking clarification to Methuen police and the Methuen mayor's office were not immediately returned.
“While Officer Bistany is presumed innocent until proven guilty, the Methuen Police Department condemns the officer's conduct as alleged in the charging documents," said Methuen Police Chief Scott McNamara in a news release. "These allegations in no way reflect upon the character and reputation of the men and women of the Methuen Police Department who stand committed to protecting children and continue to serve with distinction."
Bistany is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday in Lawrence District Court. The Essex County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
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