An Andover resident, Dale Howe, 37, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to the production and possession of child sexual abuse material. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack.
Howe admitted guilt to three counts of Production of Child Pornography and one count of Possession of Child Pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Paul J. Barbadoro has set sentencing for November 5, 2025.
According to charging documents and statements presented in court, Howe provided drugs to a minor victim before sexually assaulting them. He then created images documenting the abuse, which were later found during a search of his phone. Authorities said Howe distributed at least three images through a social media platform and possessed over 3,500 unrelated files containing child sexual abuse material.
The charges for Production of Child Pornography carry a mandatory minimum prison term of 15 years and up to 30 years, along with a possible fine up to $250,000 and supervised release for at least five years. The Possession charge carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release. Sentencing will be determined by the federal district court judge following applicable guidelines and statutes.
Several agencies contributed to the investigation including Homeland Security Investigations, the Andover Police Department, New Hampshire State Police, Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office, New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), and Derry Police Department. Assistant U.S Attorneys Heather A. Cherniske and Anna Z. Krasinski are handling prosecution duties.
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