A Westborough business seeking to collect a company-issued iPhone and computers during an employee's termination process stumbled onto something far more disturbing than old files, according to newly reported details of the case. Michael Fuhrman, 31, of Bellingham, is now charged with possessing child pornography after police say the devices contained explicit images and videos, some allegedly showing children as young as 5.
The case traces back to October 1, when the business began the termination process for an employee and asked him to turn in his company-issued iPhone and computers, according to Community Advocate. The devices had been in the suspect's exclusive possession throughout his year-long tenure with the company and were never shared with any other employees, the outlet reported.
While inspecting the returned equipment, the business accessed an email account and allegedly found several images of nude females under 18, according to the same report. Those emails were addressed to the suspect's personal account, and police reports indicate additional explicit content turned up on iMovie as well.
Court Documents Describe Disturbing Video Evidence
A subsequent police search turned up videos showing nude children as young as age 5, according to court documents cited by Community Advocate. The suspect reportedly recorded himself reacting to some of the videos, and investigators say background objects visible in that footage helped the Westborough Police Department identify him.
Separate reporting from News Link Live fills in more of the investigation's timeline, identifying the suspect as Michael E. Fuhrman, 31, of 305 Blackstone Street in Bellingham. That outlet reported the probe was centered on possible possession of child sexual abuse material following a Westborough police investigation and search warrant into devices previously owned by Fuhrman.
Search Warrant Expanded to Cellphone and Home Laptop
News Link Live's account describes a Milford District Court search warrant that granted police access to seize and search Fuhrman's devices, including his cellphone. Police reported finding an image of a naked juvenile female on that phone.
News Link Live also reported that Fuhrman was charged with possessing child pornography and cocaine following a traffic stop.
Arraignment Set for Mid-November
Fuhrman is scheduled to be arraigned on November 17 at Westborough District Court, according to Community Advocate.
The charge against Fuhrman falls under Massachusetts General Laws chapter 272, section 29C, which addresses knowingly purchasing or possessing visual reproductions or computer depictions of a child whom a person knows or reasonably should know is under 18, and specifies qualifying categories of depictions and penalties, including imprisonment and fines, according to the Massachusetts Legislature.
The allegations against Fuhrman remain just that — allegations outlined in police and court-document accounts rather than findings of guilt.
