Wellesley

Ex-Wellesley High School Lacrosse Coach Arrested on Child Pornography Charge

The 44-year-old was arrested Tuesday and has pled not guilty to possession of child pornography, according to the Norfolk District Attorney's Office

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A former assistant lacrosse coach at Wellesley High School has been arrested in a child pornography case, Massachusetts authorities say.

Ryan Cook, 44, was arrested Tuesday on one count of possession of child pornography, prosecutors with the Norfolk District Attorney's Office confirmed Thursday.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge during a court appearance, prosecutors said. A judge set a $10,000 bail, while ordering that Cook not have contact with anyone 15 years old or younger and stay out of the Wellesley zip code.

If found guilty of the felony charge, Cook could face a five year prison sentence.

Wellesley Public Schools issued a statement Thursday saying the district is "aware that a Wellesley resident, who had previously served as a volunteer with our WHS Boy's Lacrosse team, has been charged with possession of child pornography by the Massachusetts State Police."

The district did not offer additional information about the case, citing the ongoing investigation, but mentioned that counselors are available to offer support to any students who may need it.

State police said Cook was arrested on two counts of possessing child pornography after images were found on multiple devices of his while officers conducted a court-approved search.

More charges against Cook may be sought after officials are able to undertake a forensic examination of devices, police said. They began investigating Cook after getting a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

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