The former editor-in-chief of The Recount, Slade Sohmer, has been charged with multiple counts of possession and distribution of child sexual abuse imagery. Over a thousand explicit files were discovered in Sohmer's possession, hundreds of which are identified as child pornography involving pre-school-aged victims as reported by sources including MassLive and WWLP.
Further troubling evidence suggests that Sohmer may have actively produced a child pornographic video as reported by WWLP. Additionally, Sohmer has been accused of participating in discussions outlining plans to kidnap and assault minors on the Telegram Messenger app during 2021 according to The Boston Globe.
Investigations into Sohmer began following a CyberTip received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on June 16, 2023. On October 17, authorities executed a search warrant, resulting in the seizure of Sohmer's mobile phones and various electronic devices as MassLive reports. This paved the way for the Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force to launch an extensive investigation, uncovering the disturbing materials.
Not only was Sohmer allegedly involved in possessing and distributing child pornography, but he also reportedly engaged in disturbing conversations about child assault and luring minors according to The Boston Globe. An incident is documented where Sohmer is believed to have tried to attract a 14-year-old boy by impersonating a teenage girl, although he claims to have ultimately refrained.
Earlier today, Sohmer pleaded not guilty to all charges at his arraignment, and his bail was set at $100,000 with restrictive conditions as detailed by WWLP. He is currently barred from using the internet and from interacting with anyone below the age of 18.
As the investigation continues, there are expectations that Sohmer will face additional charges once all seized devices have been processed, MassLive anticipates. This possibility underscores the pervasive issue of child exploitation and underscores society's collective role in safeguarding the vulnerable.
