Massage Therapist Charged With Possessing Child Porn

A massage therapist was taken into custody by ICE Homeland Security agents on Long Island for allegedly purchasing thousands of child pornography files from an IP address linked to a Hudson Valley non-profit, officials said.

A Long Island massage therapist was charged with possessing child porn.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Zak Failla

11/14/2019 4:45 p.m.

Gary Pamperien, 65, was arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 13, in Hicksville following allegations that he was in possession of child porn between at least August 2017 and 2018, U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman announced.

Pamperien allegedly made his purchases from an IP address associated with a nonprofit educational retreat center in Dutchess County.

It is alleged that Pamperien purchased access to thousands of files containing child pornography through a password-protected, fee-based website hosted outside the United States. The child pornography included depictions of nude prepubescent children posing suggestively.

Pamperien allegedly made his purchases from an IP address associated with a non-profit educational retreat center in Rhinebeck, where Pamperien has lived and worked. Additionally, on Wednesday, Nov. 13, police investigators uncovered at least a dozen images and one video containing child pornography on a laptop belonging to Pamperien.

“Pamperien allegedly purchased explicit photos of children, repeatedly victimizing each child with just the click of a button. Perhaps thinking he could conceal these heinous alleged acts, he allegedly used his work computer as a means to mask his identity,” Peter Fitzhugh, special agent in charge for HSI New York, stated. “HSI has a firm commitment to tracking down those perpetrators who exploit children to satisfy their own horrid desires and we will bring them to justice.”

Pamperien was charged with one count of possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of between 10 to 20 years in prison if he is convicted.

“Child pornography victimizes society’s most innocent and vulnerable. Massage therapist Gary Pamperien was arrested for allegedly possessing child pornography,” Berman said. “Sexualizing young children is despicable, and this office and our law enforcement partners will continue to utilize all of the expertise and resources available to bring to justice those who possess child pornography.”

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