Editor’s note: The following is a press release from the office of Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan. A spokesperson declined to provide any further information.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced that Rene Walker, 44, formerly a civilian at Hanscom Air Force Base Lincoln, has pleaded guilty in Middlesex Superior Court to charges of trafficking in a person under the age of 18 for purposes of sexual servitude, enticement of a person under 16 years of age, enticement of a person under 18 years of age by electronic means, posing a child in a state of nudity, disseminating visual material of a child in a state of nudity, disseminating material harmful to minors, possession of child pornography attempted extortion, and criminal harassment.
Judge Kenneth Salinger sentenced Walker to six to eight years in state prison, followed by ten years of probation.
“The unfortunate reality is that predators are online,” said District Attorney Ryan. “This man began messaging the minor, and the conversation quickly escalated into enticement to engage in sexual activities and then into extortion. His behavior was manipulative and now he will be held accountable.”
Chief Kevin Kennedy of the Lincoln Police Department added, “I would like to credit the tireless and dedicated efforts of the investigators assigned to this case who worked hand in hand with the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office to bring this case to a successful resolution. This case is a harsh reminder of the dangers that can present themselves in the cyber world.”
The incidents in this case occurred between May 2013 and May 2014 during which Walker disguised his identity and corresponded with a minor on hundreds of occasions sending pornographic images, encouraging the minor to take nude photographs, offering the minor money in exchange for nude photographs, and then forcing the minor to continue taking and sending nude photographs by threatening to send the photographs of the minor to the minor’s friends and family.
This case was jointly investigated by the Lincoln Police Department, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.
The prosecutor assigned to this case is Assistant District Attorney Kate Cimini. The Victim Witness Advocate is Beth Lane and the Child Interview Specialist is Alicia Compitello.