BPS Employee Arraigned for Producing Child Sexual Abuse Materials
BOSTON, March 14, 2022— An employee of TechBoston Academy was arraigned today on charges he posed a minor in a state of nudity, District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced.
ERNEST LOGAN, 31, was arraigned today in the West Roxbury Division of Boston Municipal Court on two counts of lascivious posing a child in a state of nudity. Bail was set in the amount of $3,000 with orders that he stay away from and have no contact with the victim or witnesses and stay away from the victim’s home and school.
Detectives assigned to the Boston Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit were contacted by a relative of a minor who discovered concerning communications between the victim and Logan, who was known to the family through his employment as a Technician at TechBoston Academy. Among the communications, Logan allegedly encouraged the victim to send him sexual images, requests with which the victim complied.
Logan was placed under arrest on Friday. The investigation remains ongoing by Boston Police and prosecutors assigned to DA Hayden’s Crime Strategies Bureau, which incorporates the office’s Human Trafficking and Exploitation Unit.
In December, a number of survivors of sexual abuse in Suffolk County testified before Massachusetts Legislature’s Judiciary Committee in support of H.1801/S.1092, which would make it a crime for adults in positions of authority or trust – including educators, caregivers, coaches, clergy, and others – to engage in sexual relations with any minor under their supervision or care up to the age of 18. Current law does not provide protection to minors who have reached the age of consent but remain vulnerable to sexual abuse by those who exert control over them. The age of consent in Massachusetts is 16 for intercourse and age 14 for other sexual contact.
“Providing safe and supportive environments for young people to learn and grow is vital to ensuring their future success. They deserve nothing less, and as adults we have a duty to ensure that every child is protected,” DA Hayden said. “As District Attorney, as well as a parent, a coach, a member of the clergy, and a board member at youth serving nonprofits, I understand the level of trust and authority each of these roles holds over young people. A child does not suddenly become less vulnerable to that uneven power structure the moment they turn 16.”
While the victims and witnesses of any crime should call 911 in an emergency, there are additional resources available to report suspected crimes against children. In Suffolk County, survivors of child abuse and exploitation and their non-offending caretakers can receive comprehensive services at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County. The CAC can be reached at 617-779-2146. Survivors may also contact the Child Protection Unit at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office at 617-619-4300. Anyone who believes that a child in Massachusetts may be the victim of abuse can call the Department of Children and Families’ Child at Risk Hotline at 1-800-792-5200. Those concerned that a child is being exploited online may report a Cybertip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST or www.cybertipline.com.
Logan is represented by Kenneth McGoldick. He returns to court April 27, 2022.
James Borghesani, Chief of Communications
All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.