SURRY — The computer network administrator for the Deer Isle and Stonington school system has been arrested and charged with possessing child pornography.

Detectives from the State Police Computer Crime Unit arrested Joseph Audette, 30, of Surry at his home Monday afternoon.  

“The case began about a month ago when Computer Crime Unit members were researching suspects in Maine that had been observed sharing child pornography on the Internet,” according to Sgt. Glenn Lang, who supervises the computer unit said.

A screen name reappeared at a number of sites that typically host child pornography.  “We requested a subpoena for the internet protocol address associated with the screen name. and Monday we received a response identifying Audette’s account as being associated with that name. When we learned Audette was employed by the school system we responded immediately to his house,” Lang said.

A forensic on site review of Audette’s computers located child pornography and many of the children appear to be younger than 12. At this point there is no indication local children are involved.

Audette was taken to the Hancock County Jail where he was charged with Possession of Sexually Explicit Material (Class C). He made bail with the restrictions to have no contact with children under the age of 18 and no use or possession of Internet capable devices.

School officials were notified after the arrest and have cooperated with the investigation.