Man who rented room at home daycare in West Bridgewater faces child porn charge, investigators say – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News

WEST BRIDGEWATER, MASS. (WHDH) – A 23-year-old West Bridgewater man who rented a room inside a home daycare was arrested Wednesday on a charge of receiving child pornography, officials announced. 

The US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts in a statement said Juan Levano was charged by criminal complaint and appeared in court in Boston following his arrest. 

Levano remained in custody as of Thursday afternoon, officials said. Back in West Bridgewater, officials said the daycare where Levano lived has been temporarily closed.

The US Attorney’s Office outlined allegations against Levano, saying “an investigation into an internet-based communications application used for the trafficking of child pornography identified Levano as a likely user of the platform.”

The criminal complaint in the case separately indicated Levano was arrested after admitting he received more than 100 videos and images, many of which depicted young children in sexual situations.”

Court documents said the investigation that led to Levano’s arrest actually began in South Africa, when investigators busted a person who allowed them to gain access to the encrypted chat platform Levano was allegedly using. 

When federal agents arrived on Wednesday, the criminal complaint said Levano told agents “that he rents a room at the subject premises and does not work at the residential daycare or have contact with the children who attend it.” 

This fact, the complaint said, “was confirmed by the owner.”

Still, the state Department of Early Education and Care told 7NEWS the residential daycare center is now under investigation. 

The woman who operates the facility, officials continued, voluntarily agreed to close her business Wednesday with plans to keep the facility closed while the investigation proceeds. 

The US Attorney’s Office said investigators executed search warrants at Levano’s residence on Wednesday morning, seizing “various electronic devices.”

While forensic analysis was ongoing Thursday, the US Attorney’s Office said a preliminary review of Levano’s phone “allegedly revealed that Levano was a member of several active groups on the platform that included the exchange of child pornography.”

Neighbors speaking with 7NEWS said they believe multiple people rent rooms in the building where Levano lived. 

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