Jan. 24, 2014
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Paul Jarvey 508-368-7241
or 508 735-2981
AUBURN – As police arrested a man on child pornography charges, they discovered evidence of a methamphetamine drug lab in his home, according to District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
Derek A. Ransom, 30, of 11 Bylund Ave., was held on $20,000 cash bail after being arraigned today in Central District Court on two counts of child pornography. Arrest warrants were lodged late this afternoon for manufacture and possession of a Class B drug (methamphetamine).
He was arrested Thursday night as State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office, Auburn Police and Department of Homeland Security/ICE investigators executed a search warrant for his home and computers.
While making the arrest, police discovered a bucket filled with chemicals consistent with the manufacture of methamphetamine.
After securing the residence, investigators applied for and were granted a search warrant for evidence of a drug lab in the home. They searched the home today and discovered drug evidence.
The child pornography charges stemmed from an investigation by the State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
If Mr. Ransom posts bail, he has been ordered not to access the internet, not to use or view computer monitors or images and have no contact with children under 18. His case was continued to Feb. 21.
The investigation has been a cooperative effort of local, state and federal agencies, according to Mr. Early. Besides the State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office, Auburn Police and DHS/ICE, the investigation has included State Police Crime Scene Services, the State Police Clandestine Lab Team, the State Police Bomb Squad, Boston Police, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Auburn Fire Department.