Epping Man Charged In Nashua Child Sexual Exploitation Case

NASHUA, NH — An Epping man was arrested and held Wednesday after being accused of targeting a child for sex. Nashua police began an investigation into Ronald Afonso, 48, of High Street in Epping earlier this month as part of the department's work with the Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, an effort combating child exploitation in New Hampshire. Lt. Matthew DiFava of the special investigations division of the Nashua Police Department said officers "identified Afonso" as "arranging to have sexual relations with a child" on the Internet.

Afonso was arrested Wednesday in Nashua by police and charged with attempted aggravated felonious sexual assault and child endangerment, both felonies. He was held on a preventive detention order and was scheduled to be arraigned in Hillsborough County Superior Court South Thursday and faces up to 14 years in prison and fines.

The arrest of Afonso is the second arrest this week in Nashua on a child exploitation case. Ryan Fitzgerald of Hudson was arrested on a felony certain uses of a computer services prohibited charge Monday. Nashua police have arrested more than two dozen men on various charges during the past year, according to reports on Patch.

Anyone with information about this case or any child exploitation situation is asked to contact the Nashua Police Department crime line 603-589-1665.

Editor's note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Nashua Police Department and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the removal request process for New Hampshire Patch police reports.

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