Originally distributed by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office:
A 24-year old Merrimac man, who served as an “on-call” substitute teacher in the Pentucket School District, was arraigned this afternoon on child pornography charges.
Kenneth Niven pleaded not guilty in Newburyport District Court to Possession of Child Pornography and Photographing an Unsuspecting Nude Person. Judge Allen Swan set bail at $15,000 and ordered him to stay away from and have no contact with persons under 18 and not to use social media.
Merrimac Police initiated an investigation that uncovered two alleged images of child pornography on the defendant’s phone. This is an active and ongoing investigation.
The case is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on July 19, 2022.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.