Former Newton Daycare Worker Charged with Child Porn

Arlington, MA - A former Newton daycare worker has been arrested in Arlington in the course of a child pornography investigation.

The Arlington Police Department arrested 21-year-old Mason Lister, of Arlington, after a joint investigation with the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force. Through that investigation, investigators reportedly determined Lister was trading obscene images of children through social media channels that included DropBox, Kik and Twitter. Police also seized a computer and tablet from Lister's home.

According to WHDH Channel 7, daycare and preschool Family Access of Newton sent a letter to parents, sharing information from police that Lister, who formerly worked there, faced the pornography charges.

He passed all necessary background checks before taking the job, but is no longer employed at Family Access, school officials told WHDH, and his job responsibilities did not include any contact with children.

In a press release, Arlington Police Chief Ryan praised the officers involved in the investigation, naming Arlington Police Inspector James Smith, who was assigned to the FBI task force.

"The exploitation and abuse of children are among the worst crimes in our society, but thanks to the talented detective work of our officers, including Inspector Smith, we are able to identify and prosecute those who contribute to the proliferation of child pornography," he said. "The Arlington Police Department will continue to pursue these felons aggressively wherever they may be."

Lister is being held at the Arlington Police Department until his arraignment in Cambridge District Court, police said. He is charged with Possession of Visual Material of a Child in the State of Nudity or Sexual Conduct and Distribution of Visual Material of a Child in the State of Nudity or Sexual Conduct, according to Arlington Police.

>> Photo via Arlington Police Department