Massachusetts school van driver charged in child pornography investigation
MILFORD - A school van driver for Milford Public Schools was arrested in a child pornography investigation.
Robert Nolan, 27, was arraigned Thursday in Milford District Court.
Milford Police Chief Robbie Tusino said detectives found child pornography on Nolan's cellphone. According to Detective Patrick Crosson, two cellphones and a computer belonging to Nolan were searched and the images featured children as young as 6-years-old.
"He is alleged to have had, among other materials, a video of a 6 to 8-year-old child being raped by an adult male," said judge Richard Eustis during Nolan's arraignment. "It's repulsive to the conscience."
Tusino said there's no evidence any students were involved and there's no direct threat to the community but he is asking any families to contact school resource officers if they have any reason to believe their child may be a victim.
School Superintendent Kevin McIntyre said Nolan worked with the school for about six years and is no longer with the district. He said to his knowledge, Nolan had no prior issues and passed a background check.
"It's always very disappointing when you hear of a staff member who's been arrested and charged with a crime, particularly when it deals with child pornography," said McIntyre. "I mean, it's the last thing any of us want to hear."
McIntyre said Nolan interacted with a "very small percentage" of students, mainly in elementary and middle school, who had special needs.
"He's operating a school bus, he has children in his care with no other adults," said Eustis.
WBZ TV spoke to one of the other van drivers in the district, who said Nolan was well-mannered and well-liked and she's shocked over his arrest. He's now being held on $10,000 bail.