Simmons College Psych Professor Arrested On Child Porn Charges
A Simmons College psychology professor has been arrested on child pornography charges, according to police.
Alyssa Azotea, 37, of Concord, New Hampshire, was arrested on Friday. According to Concord police, she had warrants issued for her arrest. The Simmons College professor is facing four charges of computer pornography and three charges of endangering the welfare of a child.
A #SimmonsCollege professor, who is mother of three young girls, was charged today with child porn. She has been put on paid leave.
— MediaMan2009 (@MediaMan2009) September 1, 2015
According to the Nashua Patch, David P. Pelusi, 46, of Depor Road in Hollis, was also arrested. He was charged with felony possession of child sexual abuse images and felony computer pornography prohibited.
The debacle began earlier this month when detectives were informed about an investigation involving the Simmons College professor and Pelusi by the Hollice Police Department, according to an official press release. A complainant “inadvertently found child pornography on the cell phone of a household member” and contacted the authorities.
The Nashua Patch also reports that Lt. Timothy O’Malley, commander of the criminal investigations unit in Concord, said detectives in that department “became aware of computer exchanges between Azotea and Pelusi referencing communications about having sex with young children, including sex with a child known to Mr. Pelusi.”
According to the Boston Herald, Concord police wrote in a release, “These fantasies included conversations about sex with children as young as 5-years-old…. It is also alleged that Azotea asked Pelusi to think about a child known to him” and “asked him to think about children known to her.”
“It is alleged that Azotea sent Pelusi photographs of the children known to her (fully clothed) and directed him to think about these children in a sexual manner.”
The Simmons College professor is accused of sending the photos to Pelusi between August 16 and August 22.
“It is alleged that during these conversations Azotea discusses how they (Azotea and Pelusi) may eventually be living together,” reported Lt. O’Malley.
“She discussed that when this occurs, he could act out these fantasies on the children in question.”
“Simmons College just learned that a part-time faculty member who has worked at the college since 2011 is under investigation in New Hampshire,” said Simmons College in a statement.
“The charges, if true, would be deeply disturbing. Consistent with our policy, this faculty member has been put on paid leave pending the outcome of this matter.”
Simmons College was ranked among “America’s Best Colleges” in the 2015 edition of U.S.News & World Report.
The Simmons College professor is being held on $11,000 cash bail. Her profile on the Simmons College website has been removed.
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[Image via Concord, New Hamphire Police]
