Cape Cod Man Had 1K Files Of Child Porn, Faces Federal Charges

PROVINCETOWN, MA — A Cape Cod man faces child pornography charges after federal officials said he possessed at least 1,000 video and image files of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Lawrence Pagnoni, 63, was charged with one count of possession of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography.

Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Thursday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal, Pagnoni was released on conditions, including home detention with electronic monitoring.

According to the charging documents, an individual arrested in a child exploitation sting reported to law enforcement that, in March 2023, Pagnoni allegedly distributed child sex abuse files to him via the online cloud storage platform Mega.

It was determined that Pagnoni had allegedly sent thousands of CSAM files to this person, officials said.

During a search of Pagnoni’s home in Provincetown in May 2023 several items, including Pagnoni’s cellphone, were seized. During a subsequent search of Pagnoni’s cellphone, it is alleged that several thousand image files and video files containing CSAM, including at least 51 known series of CSAM as identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, were discovered.

The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.