Methuen police officer accused of uploading child sexual assault material

A Methuen police officer faces a child pornography charge after investigators say he uploaded child sexual assault material.

State and Methuen police arrested Matthew Bistany, 51, of Methuen, at his home Tuesday morning after serving him with a search warrant, according to a state police statement.

State police said they began the investigating "earlier this year," after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children sent a tip about the potential upload from an IP address connected to Bistany.

“While Officer Bistany is presumed innocent until proven guilty, the Methuen Police Department condemns the officer's conduct as alleged in the charging documents,” Methuen Police Chief Scott McNamara said. "These allegations in no way reflect upon the character and reputation of the men and women of the Methuen Police Department who stand committed to protecting children and continue to serve with distinction."

Bistany will be arraigned Tuesday in Lawrence District Court. The Essex County district attorney's office is prosecuting the case. It is unclear whether Bistany has an attorney at this time.