Hanson Man Indicted on Child Sexual Exploitation Charge

Hanson, MA – A Hanson man sent sexually explicit messages via text, live video and audio with two pre-teen girls, authorities said.

Mark L. Leach, 48, was indicted Thursday 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 a criminal complaint, 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, including one that occasionally babysat for Leach’s daughter. The victims told law enforcement that Leach allegedly asked them to send naked and sexually explicit photos and videos of themselves. Leach also allegedly exposed himself.

Leach was arrested in April morning as he leaving his home. According to the complaint, Leach admitted to setting up the Skype account to communicate with underage girls and requested that the girls expose themselves to him during conversations. He also admitted that he masturbated in front of them.

Leach faces a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to a lifetime in prison, a maximum of a lifetime of probation, and a fine of $250,000.

Information in this article is from the US Attorney's office. Arrests and charges mentioned do not imply conviction.