Boston Philharmonic Orchestra Artistic Director Arrested for Child Pornography

BOSTON – An employee of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra was arrested today and charged in federal court in Boston with receipt and possession of child pornography.

David St. George, 71, of Arlington, was charged with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. 

According to charging documents, law enforcement in Boston received information regarding an online storage account suspected of containing child pornography. The IP address linked to the account was assigned to St. George’s internet account. Further investigation into the files revealed approximately 83 images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, including a one-year-old girl.

A search warrant executed at St. George’s residence today revealed thousands of files of child pornography, including the sexual assaults of children between six-and-eight years old. It is alleged that St. George has been receiving and downloading child pornography from the “Dark Web” and taking steps to conceal his identity.

According to court documents, St. George is employed by the Boston Philharmonic and the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to of 20 year in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison. Both counts carry a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Arlington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Herbert of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. 

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.