Barre Resident Arrested for Possession and Promotion of Child Sexual Abuse Material, and Animal Cruelty

The Attorney General's Office today announced that Bryant Keene, 36, of Barre, Vermont, was arraigned on multiple felony counts of promoting a recording of child lewdness or sexual conduct, multiple counts of possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and one count of animal cruelty. The charges are the result of a criminal investigation conducted by the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC).

The investigation began when the VT-ICAC Task Force received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The report indicated that an individual was uploaded and shared online suspected images of CSAM, commonly referred to as "child pornography," on Kik, which is a messenger application. Based on this report, Mr. Keene was identified as the person in possession of the CSAM.

Mr. Keene pleaded not guilty at an arraignment today in the Vermont Superior Court, Washington Unit, Criminal Division. The Court, Judge Michael Harris presiding, ordered conditions of release that include prohibiting Mr. Keene's contact with minors and his access to 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 https://report.cybertip.org .

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 https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/csam-resources 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