Mark L. Leach, Child Sexual Exploitation, Massachusetts 2017

BOSTON – A Hanson man has been brought to justice for his heinous crimes against two pre-teen girls. Mark L. Leach, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of coercion and enticement of a minor child in U.S. District Court in Boston.

Leach was arrested and charged in April 2016, and his sentencing is scheduled for May 25, 2017. The defendant used the Skype screen name “funtimehockey” to send sexually explicit messages to the victims, who occasionally babysat for his daughter. He requested that they send him naked and sexually explicit pictures of themselves, and even exposed himself and masturbated in front of them during these sessions.

According to the victims, Leach frequently requested that they expose themselves to him during the conversations. The victims were also sent naked and sexually explicit pictures of Leach by the defendant.

Leach admitted during an interview with law enforcement that he had set up the Skype account to communicate with these minor victims and others, and frequently requested that they expose themselves to him during the conversations.

The charging statute provides for a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years and no greater than lifetime in prison, a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting U.S. Attorney William D. Weinreb; Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Colonel Richard D. McKeon Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Hanson Police Chief Michael Miksch; and Whitman Police Chief Scott D. Benton, made the announcement today. The Waltham Police Department also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

Leach’s crimes are a stark reminder of the dangers that exist in our communities. The victims in this case were left traumatized and vulnerable, and it is our hope that justice is served.

Mark L. Leach, a 49-year-old Hanson man, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his crimes. He will also face 10 years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.

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