Trooper Newspaper August 2013 | Page 12

Page 12 Our Purpose is Progress Trooper Our Goal is Excellence August 2013 I n November, 2010, when Trooper John Conron of MSP Digital Evidence and Multimedia Section received Robert Diduca’s name from federal investigators, he began following the same procedures he would with anyone who possessed images of child pornography. Diduca did not have a criminal record, was married for 25+ years and a father of 3 grown children. Diduca was the General Manager at the Framingham Sheraton and Vice President – Manager Director for the Pyramid Hotel Group. Trooper Conron applied for and was granted a search warrant for Diduca's residence. Trooper Kevin Hart (also assigned to DEMS) conducted the forensic analysis of Diduca's computer systems. Trooper Hart's work on the evidence seized produced evidence of ongoing sexual abuse around the world. Not only was Trooper Hart able to locate thousands of images and videos of child sexual abuse, but also critical evidence in online chat logs documenting communication Of the m O n t h TpR. JOHn COnROn & TpR. KevIn HART between Diduca and other suspects. In this communication it was clear that Didcua was directing other suspects in other jurisdictions on how to sexually abuse children. Diduca also instructed them on documenting their abuse with photographs and videos. Diduca went so far as to purchase a camera for one suspect. Trooper Conron's local Diduca case sparked a Homeland Security investigation called Operation Holitna, which has led to arrests in the United States, Europe, Mexico and Canada. Most recently, a 40-year-old Worcester man, Geoffrey Portway, pleaded guilty to solicitation to kidnap a child and distribution and possession of child pornography after the investigation discovered Portway’s chats about abducting, raping, murdering and eating children. Portway will be sentenced in August and faces 28 years in prison. Diduca faced up to 60 years in prison, but in April, 2013, he pled guilty, cooperated with investigators and received an 18 year sentence. Ultimately, Trooper Conron's 2010 investigation in Milford and Trooper Hart's forensic examination would lead to the bust of an international child pornography ring leading to 51 arrests and the rescue of 160 victims. In recognition of their outstanding dedication to duty and their perseverance in the pursuit of the vilest criminals who prey on our most vulnerable citizens, Troopers John Conron and Kevin Hart are awarded this months’ Bulldog of the Month. BULLDOG m.s.p. Boxing Team Hosts U.s.A. n.e. Championships In the World of Boxing this is a big deal and a feather in the cap of our boxing team as they secured the rights to host this coveted event. On October 12th, 19th and the 26th the elimination bouts will take place at the Southbridge Community Center (Armory ) with the final to be held at the Host Hotel, Rte 20 in Sturbridge. All of the top amateur boxers in New England will be in competition. The winners will advance to the Regional Championships at the Olympic Training Center at Lake Placid, N.Y. From there the next step is the Nationals and a possible invitation to the Olympic mSP Boxing Update _________________ By Tpr. Bob Benoit _________________ 58th R.T.T. (Ret.) The Bob Laprel! 4 Mile Road Race! & 2 Mile Walk • • • • • When: Sunday, September 8th 10:00 AM 2 Mile Walk 10:30 AM 4 Mile Run Where: Haverhill High School, 137 Monument St, Haverhill Cost: $20 for Pre-Registered Entrants and the first 300 receive a TShirt; $25 for Race Day Registration. Race Day Registration closes at 9:30 AM. Prizes: $100 to overall 1st top male and female; $50 to overall 2nd place male and female; $25 to overall 3rd pla ce male and female. Awards to top three male and female finishers in each age group: 18 and under, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+ Trials. This is the ‘big time’. Lt. Kevin Hope (Ret.) has an oar in the water with this event which poses many logistical headaches. His effort in this event should be recognized. Working as referee in these upcoming bouts will be Captain Leo Gerstel (Ret.) I have it from a reliable source that a Trooper or two will be fighting and more than likely they will be in the ‘Masters Division’. Well, that’s it. See you at the fights. • The Laprel Family is holding the 3rd Annual Bob Laprel 4 Mile Road Race & 2 Mile Walk to raise money for the Robert C. Laprel Memorial Scholarship Fund. To date we have given six scholarships to Haverhill High Seniors. To sign up, go to: BobLaprelRoadRace.com Or Mail Check to: Bob Laprel Road Race C/O TD Bank 7 Elm Street P.O. Box 197 Boxford, MA 01921 S.P.A.M. Web Site & internet Service donated by When your business is on the line massstatetroopers.com