Man Charged with Possession of Child Porn

Portsmouth Police detectives assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force have charged an Epsom man with four felony counts of possession of child pornography.

Michael Wearing, 54, an unemployed resident of 6 Bishop Lane in Epsom, was arrested by the task force following a search of his home, according to Portsmouth Police Capt. Corey MacDonald, who serves as commander of the task force.

He is being held on $200,000 bail pending his arraignment in Concord District Court on Thursday morning. His bail conditions also prevent him from having any contact with children or computers, and that he not possess anything which can electronically store digital media.

"Information regarding Mr. Wearing was obtained through proactive enforcement measures designed to catch those who would possess or distribute images of children being sexually abused," MacDonald said in a prepared statement.

The New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is comprised of 50 affiliate agencies from across the state. Investigators are sworn as deputy sheriffs under Carroll County Sheriff Christopher Conley. Numerous detectives from affiliate agencies assisted in this investigation, including Epsom Police, Auburn Police, Nashua Police, Pembroke Police, Hampton Police, Hinsdale Police, Newmarket Police, Salem Police and Portsmouth Police.

MacDonald said anyone with information regarding the exploitation of children is encouraged to report it to their local law enforcement or directly to the ICAC Task Force at the Portsmouth Police Department, at (603) 436-2511. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may make reports to Crime Stoppers at (603)431-1199.