State Police arrested a Watertown man after a cyber tip led investigators to his home.
Authorities identified him as John W. Hatch, 30, of Watertown.
On October 2, members of the State Police Computer Crimes Unit and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation carried out an operation at a residence on Alexandria Ave. The investigation began with a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Hatch was charged with one count of promoting a sexual performance by a child (a Class D felony) and one count of possession of a sexual performance by a child (a Class E felony). Police say he possessed and distributed child sexual abuse material over the internet.
Hatch was arraigned in Watertown City Court and remanded to the Jefferson County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. The investigation remains open.
Anyone with information can contact Troop D Public Information Officer Trooper Jennifer Jiron or email [email protected].
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