Chicopee teacher charged with possession, dissemination of child pornography

LENOX, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- A Chicopee teacher is facing charges after investigators said he tried to entice an undercover law enforcement agent, whom he believed was under 14, to engage in sexual acts.

Julia Sabourin, spokesperson for the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, said investigators executed a search warrant Tuesday at the Lenox home of 46-year-old Keith Harrison after receiving a tip about the alleged conduct.

Authorities reportedly recovered evidence of child sexual assault material during the search, according to investigators.

Harrison is facing two counts of possession of child pornography, one count of attempting to commit a crime, to wit, indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, and one count of dissemination of child pornography.

Sabourin confirmed that Harrison is a teacher in the Chicopee Public School district. Chicopee city officials said in a statement:

“Chicopee Public Schools has been made aware of the recent arrest of a district teacher by the Massachusetts State Police at their home in Berkshire County. Upon learning of these serious allegations, the district took immediate action to place the individual on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

We want to emphasize that there are no allegations that the conduct under investigation occurred on school grounds, involved school resources, or connected with any Chicopee students or staff.

The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. The Police Department, School Department, and Mayor’s Office will continue to actively monitor the situation and fully cooperate with and assist law enforcement officials throughout this ongoing investigation.

We also recognize that an arrest is not a determination of guilt, and the individual is entitled to due process under the law. We ask that everyone allow the legal process to proceed while respecting the privacy and well-being of those potentially affected"

Sabourin said more charges could be filed after the investigation is completed.

Bail was set at $25,000 cash. Harrison is expected to be arraigned Wednesday in Central Berkshire District Court.