Mark Bissonnette, a 54-year-old resident of Groton, Vermont, was arraigned on Thursday facing six felony counts and three misdemeanor counts of possession of child sexual abuse materials. He is also charged with one felony count of attempted use of a child in a sexual performance. These charges follow an investigation by the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC), which includes personnel from the Attorney General’s Office, Vermont State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations.
The investigation began after VT-ICAC received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The report indicated that an individual engaged in conversations involving child sexual abuse and online enticement on the social media platform Kik. The ensuing investigation led to the identification of Mr. Bissonnette as possessing suspected child sexual abuse materials.
At his arraignment in Vermont Superior Court, Caledonia Unit, Criminal Division, Mr. Bissonnette pleaded not guilty to all charges. Judge Michael Kainen ordered conditions for his release that restrict his access to minors, alcohol, deadly weapons, electronic devices, and the internet. Additionally, he is confined to a residence under a 24-hour curfew with exceptions only for medical and legal needs.
VT-ICAC is tasked with investigating cases of child sexual exploitation occurring over the internet and provides forensic examination services along with technical assistance and training for law enforcement agencies.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children serves as the nation’s centralized reporting system for online exploitation of children. Reports can be made via their 24-hour call center at 1-800-843-5678 or through their website.
For those recovering from child sexual exploitation, support services are available through NCMEC including emotional support and assistance in removing content from the internet.