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Fanelli was first charged with child pornography possession in January.
As previously reported by Daily Voice, a complaint filed against Fanelli by Homeland Security Department investigators alleges that he used a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download 126 files containing pornographic images of children as young as 7 years old.
If convicted, Fanelli could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Investigators began tracking his computer in November and executed a search warrant on his house on Jan. 23. Fanelli, who taught sexual abuse awareness classes to elementary and middle school students, told the arresting officers that he initially began downloading the images as research for his classes, but eventually developed a personal interest in them.
Fanelli joined the Mount Pleasant Police Department in 1981 and was appointed chief in November. As a lieutenant, one of his duties was to keep track of sex offenders living in the town. He was placed on suspension by the town following his arrest, and the Town Board unanimously approved the appointment of Lt. Paul Oliva Jr. as acting chief.
Homeland Security agents executed a search warrant on Fanelli's home in Mahopac and arrested him.
Click here to read the full LoHud.com report.
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