Child Porn Suspect Wanted in Maine

A Milton man charged with possessing pornographic images of children who worked for several Seacoast school bus companies is now a fugitive from justice wanted by Maine authorities, according to Portsmouth Police.

John Allen Wright, 45, of 52A Charles St. in Milton was charged with , a Class A felony that carries a State Prison sentence of 7 1/2- to 15 years, if convicted.

"Mr. Wright is considered a fugitive from justice from the State of Maine, wanted on two counts of Gross Sexual Assault on a child as a result of this investigation. The Dover Police are actively investigating two allegations involving Mr. Wright on two separate children in their town," reads a press release issued Monday afternoon by Portsmouth Police Capt. Corey MacDonald, commander of the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children task force.

"At this time there does appear to have been actual offenses committed against children under Mr. Wright’s care," MacDonald said.

According to the Portsmouth-based New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children task force, Wright worked as a bus driver for the Provider bus service in Strafford County, Rockingham County and Kittery, Maine, since 2008. 

Police say Wright’s job with the Provider was to transport children on his bus, to include physically, mentally, or developmentally disabled children to school or daycare.

"Prior his current employment, Mr. Wright was a bus driver from 2004 to Feb. of 2008 for SAU 64, the Milton School System, and also briefly worked as a para-professional for that school in 2005," reads a press release issued by Portsmouth Police Capt. Corey MacDonald, the task force's commander.

"We have information at this time that Mr. Wright may also have been employed at Rochester Child Care and Learning Center in August to November of 1999 where he worked as an assistant teacher.  From April of 1999 to July of 1999 he may have worked at the Quirion Preschool and Learning Center in Rochester," according to the task force.

Police are asking parents whose children have been passengers on Wright’s bus, or who have been otherwise exposed to Wright to speak with their children about any experiences that they may have had with him. They are also asking parents to report any odd or suspicious behaviors that they have observed such as very early bus pick ups, or very late drop offs involving their children when driven by Wright.

"We would encourage parents to seek guidance if need be in how to approach this topic with their child by contacting Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) at (603)436-4107," reads the task force press release.

"If parents have concerns that their child may have been victimized or if they believe that they may have some useful information regarding this case, we are asking them to contact the following hotline: NH ICAC at (603)610-7424," the press release continues.

Wright is scheduled for a probable cause hearing some time this week at a date to be determined. Wright is currently being held on $50,000 cash bail.

Wright was arrested by detectives at his Milton home on Sept. 1.

According to Portsmouth Police Detective Sgt. Thomas Grella, task force detectives and detectives with the New London, Rochester, Portsmouth, Pembroke and Salem Police Departments with the assistance of the state Attorney General's office and the Milton Police Department executed a search warrant at Wright's residence.

"This search was made in conjunction with an ongoing operation by undercover police officers serving in an online capacity who were investigating the illegal use of computers and alleged possession and distribution of sexual abuse images of prepubescent children from within this apartment unit," reads a press release issued by the task force on Sept. 1.