MA Sex Offender Nabbed Over Child Porn Possession: Feds

BOSTON, MA — A registered sex offender from Chelsea was arrested this week after authorities found him in possession of child sex abuse materials, according to federal prosecutors.

Lasall Johnson, 54, was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography Wednesday. Johnson used a peer-to-peer file sharing service to download the images, prosecutors said.

"According to the charging documents, an investigation into suspected CSAM being exchanged on an online peer to peer file sharing network identified a user located at Johnson’s residence. It is alleged that, during a subsequent search of Johnson’s address, six electronic devices were seized that were found to contain several images and videos depicting CSAM," federal prosecutors said.

Johnson was convicted in 1989 of two counts of assault to rape. He served two years of a 20-year sentence with the remaining time served under suspension. He was also required to register as a level 2 sex offender.

According to prosecutors, Johnson could face between 10 and 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, if convicted.