Retired MA State Police Captain Facing Child Porn Charges

AMHERST, MA — Retired Massachusetts State Police Detective Capt. Francis Hart pleaded not guilty to two counts of possession of child pornography in Eastern Hampshire District Court in Belchertown Friday, according to the state Attorney General's Office.

Hart, 60, of Amherst was arrested and charged Thursday with possession of child pornography, Attorney General Maura Healey's office confirmed.

Hart retired in 2016 after several years with law enforcement.

State police spokesperson Dave Procopio said the investigation began in January with a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

State Police assigned to Healey's office and the Cyber Crimes Unit obtained a search warrant and another for Hart's arrest, Procopio said.

Hart pleaded not guilty and was released after posting a $2,500 cash bail with conditions that he have no contact with any child under the age of 18 and not be allowed internet access other than on public devices that prohibit access to illegal sites or illegal content.

"We will continue to work with the prosecution team to ensure he is held accountable for his crimes," Procopio said in a statement.

It is yet unclear if Hart has an attorney, but he is expected back in Eastern Hampshire District Court for a pretrial conference on October 22.