State Police Digital Investigator Arrested By Nashua Police

NASHUA, NH — A state digital forensic investigator has been placed on unpaid administrative leave after being arrested on a felony charge connected to New Hampshire’s computer pornography and child exploitation prevention law.

Nashua police arrested Michael Pelletier, 47, of Harmony Lane in Hooksett on a single felony computer porn, compile, enter, transmit charge on Tuesday.

Limited information is available about the case due to indictments that are sealed.

Pelletier, according to his LinkedIn.com profile, is a digital forensic examiner for the New Hampshire Department of Safety. He has worked for the department for nearly 25 years.

The department confirmed Pelletier was an employee but was placed on unpaid administrative leave after his arrest.

“The department is currently exploring further action consistent with the applicable collective bargaining agreement and the personnel rules,” the statement said. “As we gather more information, his employment status may change.”

The department did not comment further due to it being an open investigation by Nashua police.

According to state law, the charge is connected to New Hampshire’s computer pornography and child exploitation prevention law. Specifically, the law states that no person should “Compile, enter into, or transmit by means of computer; Make, print, publish, or reproduce by other computerized means; Cause or allow to be entered into or transmitted by means of computer; or Buy, sell, receive, exchange, or disseminate by means of computer, any notice, statement, or advertisement, or any minor's name, telephone number, place of residence, physical characteristics, or other descriptive or identifying information, for purposes of facilitating, encouraging, offering, or soliciting sexual conduct of or with any child, or the visual depiction of such conduct.”

The charge is a Class B felony. If convicted, Pelletier faces three and a half to seven years in prison plus fines of up to $2,000.

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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