Ashburnham scout leader faces child porn charges

ASHBURNHAM, Mass. (WHDH) -- A longtime Ashburnham Boy Scout leader has been arrested for possession of child pornography.

Arrested at the age of 75, Joseph Cormier, had been working for 30 years with the Boy Scouts based at the Ashburnham American Legion Hall. Police say they uncovered child pornography on Cormier's computer -- acting on a tip.

“The internet is a scary place. These people might be your coworkers, might be your neighbors, might be your long-time friends. It's an underground world these people thrive in. It's very scary,” said Sergeant Todd Parsons, Ashburnham Police Department.

Police spent several weeks investigating Cormier before arresting him.

Parents are concerned.

“You don't want to be paranoid but when you have kids and stuff you got to make extra sure they're safe best you can,” said Steve Xarras, a parent.

Cormier was removed from the Nashua Valley Boy Scouts organization, which responded to the charges with this statement:

“The behavior included in these allegations runs counter to everything for which the Boy Scouts of America stands," said Gary Savignano, Nashua Valley Boy Scouts of America, Executive Director.

The Scouts add they were “shocked to learn about the allegations,” along with others in Ashburnham.

“Shocked. I knew the family for a long time. They've always been nice people. Never would have suspected anything like this,” said Jim Richard, an Ashburnham resident.

Cormier is being held on $25,000 bail.