Guilford Woman Charged With Possession Of Child Pornography: Police

GUILFORD, CT — A Guilford woman and employee of the Town of North Branford has been arrested and charged with first-degree possession of child pornography, according to a news release from the Guilford Police Department.

An arrest warrant for Lauren Smith, 45, was signed for and served on Friday, police said. Smith was released on a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 19.

On June 21, the GPD received a tip from an out-of-state law enforcement agency in regard to a child pornography investigation linked to a home in Guilford, police said, and an investigation was launched with help from the Department of Homeland Security.

A search warrant was executed at a home on Flat Iron Road in Guilford on July 25 with assistance from Homeland Security and the North Branford Police Department, according to Guilford police.

"Investigative findings and evidence collected during the search, after extensive review, yielded probable cause to obtain an arrest warrant," Guilford Police Chief Christopher Massey said in a news release.

North Branford Town Manager Michael P. Downes said Smith was a part-time library employee for the town. Upon learning of the investigation in July, Downes said he immediately put Smith on administrative leave, prohibiting her from returning to work.

"The charges are serious and distressing, as the employee was a desk worker occasionally detailed to the children’s library, though they were never involved in any children’s programming," Downes said in a news release, noting the town was asked to withhold information from the public until an arrest so as to not jeopardize the investigation.

A new internal investigation was launched into Smith's access and searches in town databases or internet services, North Branford Police Chief James Lovelace said in a news release.

"At this point there is no evidence that the employee perpetrated any illegal activity in their capacity as an employee of the town or by utilizing any town equipment, facilities, or media," Downes added, saying the town is "grateful" for the work done by investigators. "Our single top priority is to ensure the protection of the children in this community and those vulnerable to the crimes alleged."

Lovelace said the investigation is still in its early stages, and authorities cannot release further details at this time.

"Any crime against a child is abhorrent, disgusting and inexcusable. We take these incidents with the utmost importance and conduct swift and thorough investigations," Lovelace said.

Massey thanked the Guilford community for their continued support.

"We are at our best when our community stands beside us, and we will continue to give you our absolute best every day to keep Guilford safe," he said.