BOSTON - A Hanson man was indicted today in connection with sending sexually explicit videos of two pre-teen girls.
Mark L. Leach, 48, was indicted today on one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and coercion and enticement of a minor. In April 2016, Leach was charged in a criminal complaint.
According to court documents, law enforcement learned that Leach had used the Skype screen name “funtimehockey" to send sexually explicit messages via text, live video and audio with two pre-teen girls. One of the minor victims occasionally babysat for Leach’s daughter. The victims told law enforcement that Leach asked them to send naked and sexually explicit photos and videos of themselves. Leach also allegedly exposed himself.
Leach was arrested by law enforcement in April 2016 as he was leaving his home. During a consensual interview, Leach admitted that he had set up the Skype account to communicate with the minor girls, and requested that the girls expose themselves to him during conversations and send him sexually explicit pictures. He also admitted that he masturbated in front of them during Skype sessions.
The charge of sexual exploitation of a minor provides for a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years and no greater than 30 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of coercion and enticement of a minor provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and no greater than life imprisonment, up to lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Colonel Richard D. McKeon, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Hanson Police Chief Michael Miksch; and Whitman Police Chief Scott D. Benton, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information related to this case, or any information relating to the sexual exploitation of children, should call (617) 478-3274.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
