Pediatrician Arrested On Child Pornography Related Charges

BOSTON – A Mashpee man, who is a semi-retired pediatrician, was arrested this morning, charged with possessing and distributing child pornography.

Dr. Daniel J. O’Hern, 64, was charged by complaint of possession of child pornography and distribution and attempted distribution of child pornography.

According to the affidavit, a search was conducted at O’Hern’s home this morning following an investigation into the use of peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs. During the search, numerous digital devices were seized including computers, hard drives and other media storage devices. According to the affidavit, the preliminary review uncovered numerous images of children being sexually exploited, including pubescent minor females.

O’Hern appeared before Magistrate Judge Robert B. Collings in Boston today for an initial appearance. He will remain in custody pending his detention hearing on Friday, June 27 at 1:45 p.m.

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

If convicted, O’Hern faces up to 20 years on the distribution counts with a minimum mandatory of five years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release and up to 10 years in prison on the possession charge with a lifetime of supervised release.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Chief Rodney Collins of the Mashpee Police Department; and Chief Paul MacDonald of the Barnstable Police Department made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Kenneth G. Shine of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit.

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 Criminal Divisions CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better 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/.