Massachusetts authorities reported the discovery of child sexual abuse material at a Princeton home belonging to an after-school program instructor. The Massachusetts State Police stated that a search warrant was executed at the residence of 67-year-old John Buffington following a tip from an electronic service provider to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Last Thursday, officers from the Massachusetts State Police Cyber Crime Unit, the S.T.O.P. TEAM, the U.S. Secret Service Cyber Task Force, and the Princeton Police Department attempted to serve a search warrant at Buffington’s residence. Authorities reported that Buffington fled into a garage and died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. Princeton and Sterling Fire and EMS teams pronounced him dead at the scene.
A search of Buffington’s property uncovered explicit materials involving at least one child known to him. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and there is no evidence that any children he interacted with through his work were physically harmed. Buffington had previously taught at a community recreational after-school program, leading activities such as woodworking, primitive skills, and kite-making.
The Massachusetts State Police, in coordination with the Worcester and Middlesex District Attorney’s Offices, are investigating the full extent of Buffington’s activities. Authorities are urging anyone who may have been affected or has information to contact the Children’s Advocacy Center of Worcester County or the Middlesex Children’s Advocacy Center for those connected to Buffington’s time in Lincoln.
