Brewster Police Officer Faces Child Porn Charges

A Brewster police officer was arraigned this week on several charges after he was arrested on child pornography charges.

Matthew B. Marshall was arrested Wednesday afternoon after his duty shift by members of the Massachusetts State Police Cyber Crimes Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. He was charged with possession of child pornography, dissemination of child pornography, defacement of real or personal property, unlawful communication of record information, and for taking photos outside of his official duties as a first responder. Marshall pleaded not guilty to the charges at his arraignment in Orleans District Court Thursday morning. Bail was set at $1,000, and Marshall was ordered to stay away from children other than his own.

Following Marshall's arrest, Police Chief Heath Eldredge immediately suspended Marshall's license to carry a firearm, secured his service weapon, and placed Marshall on administrative leave.

"The allegations against Matthew Marshall are offensive and absolutely not in line with the policies and values of the Brewster Police Department," Chief Eldredge said. "These actions do not represent the standards of the hardworking members of the Department. Our officers stand committed to serving the community with integrity and are dedicated to building and maintaining public trust."

Marshall was hired by the Brewster Police Department as a dispatcher in 2005 and as an officer in 2007. He has been relieved of duty, and an internal affairs investigation is now underway to determine Marshall's employment status. Eldredge has notified the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission so that POST may take appropriate actions regarding Marshall's certification to work as a police officer.

Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois announced the arrest in a news release Wednesday.

This is a developing story.