BSU Student released on $1k bail after child pornography charges

09/29/2015

Stephanie Dawber
Editor-in-Chief

Bridgewater State University freshman Thomas J. Masse was released on $1,000 bail on personal recognizance on the conditions that he stay away from and have not contact with children under the age of 16.

Masse was scheduled for arraignment Sept. 29 on the criminal charges in Brockton District Court.

According to Bridgewater Local, Masse cannot engage in employment or volunteer work where there are children under the age of 16, cannot have internet access, cannot use any electronic devices and cannot possess or use any smart phones.

“The university has suspended the student pending results of its own internal investigation,” said a statement from Lieutenant Matthew Rushton.

Bridgewater State University police arrested an 18-year old Masse on Sept. 28 for alleged possession and distribution of child pornography.

“Thomas J. Masse of 226 Conduit St., New Bedford, was arrested after police received information that he had allegedly downloaded images from a Website and shared them through an online chat room,” read a statement from Eva Gaffney, Director of Marketing and Communications. “There is no evidence that he used the university’s computer network, according the police.”

President Fred Clark addressed the Bridgewater community via email.

“At Bridgewater State, we condemn and will not tolerate any misconduct, abuse or exploitation of any persons, whether or not they are part of our campus community,” read the email issued by Clark. “We are committed to preventing and holding accountable anyone responsible for such acts.”

No members of the BSU community were involved and the student has not had any contact with children on campus.

“The investigation into the student’s activities remains ongoing,” read Gaffney’s statement.

Stephanie Dawber is the Editor-in-Chief for The Comment. Follow her on Twitter @Stephanie Dawber.