Former Newton library employee indicted on child porn charges

By Deirdre Fernandes, Globe Staff

Peter Buchanan, a former Newton library employee, was indicted Tuesday in Middlesex Superior Court on child pornography charges.

Buchanan was indicted on one count of possession of child pornography and three counts of dissemination of child pornography, said Cara O’Brien, a spokeswoman for the Middlesex District Attorney’s office. An arraignment date has not been set.

Buchanan had pleaded not guilty to similar charges in Newton District Court after his arrest in mid-January. A call to Buchanan’s attorney Tuesday afternoon was not immediately returned.

“These charges are troubling and we will continue to prosecute those who harm or exploit children, as they are our most vulnerable victims and most deserving of our protection,” District Attorney Leone said in a statement.

Buchanan worked for the city for 10 years, most recently in the Newton Free Library’s audio visual section.

Buchanan's arrest came after investigators with the Massachusetts Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force observed a computer reporting that it was sharing suspected child pornography files. On Jan. 24, a search warrant was executed at Buchanan's home, where the computer was registered.

Buchanan’s arrest came just two weeks after David Ettlinger, a Newton school teacher, was arrested on child pornography charges. Together, the cases shook Newton residents and parents.

Reach Deirdre Fernandes at deirdre.fernandes@globe.com