Bellows Falls Resident Charged with Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

The Attorney General's Office today announced that Ronald Wright, 67, of Bellows Falls, Vermont, was arraigned on nine counts of felony Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials. The charges brought against Mr. Wright were the result of a criminal investigation, including the execution of search warrants conducted by members of the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC).

Mr. Wright pleaded not guilty at the arraignment today in Vermont Superior Court, Windham Criminal Division. The Court, Judge Elizabeth Mann presiding, set bail in the amount of $50,000 and ordered conditions of release which restrict Mr. Wright's access to minors, electronic devices, and the Internet.

VT-ICAC investigates cases of child sexual exploitation occurring over the internet, including the production and online distribution of child sexual abuse materials. VT-ICAC also provides forensic examination services, technical assistance, law enforcement training, and public education and outreach.

Every child deserves a safe childhood. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is the nation's centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. Anyone can make reports of suspected online enticement of children for sexual acts, child sexual molestation, child sexual abuse material, child sex tourism, child sex trafficking, unsolicited obscene materials sent to a child, misleading domain names, and misleading words or digital images on the internet. To make a report, call the 24-hour call center at 1-800-843-5678 or visit NCMEC's website .

Additionally, if you are recovering from child sexual exploitation, you do not have to navigate it alone. NCMEC can help with emotional and peer support, removing content from the internet, and locating mental health professionals. For more information, please visit the online resources page or call the 24-hour call center at 1-800-843-5678.

The Attorney General's Office emphasizes that individuals charged with a crime are legally presumed innocent until their guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

CONTACT: Amelia Vath, Senior Advisor to the Attorney General, 802-828-3171