A man who worked at the Westport Library has been arrested on child pornography charges in Westport police.
The investigation began in August 2017, when the Connecticut State Police Computer Crime Unit notified Westport police that a person in Westport, who was not identified at that point, was sharing child pornography over Facebook. Westport police said they identified the suspect as 43-year-old Robert Kelly, of Westport.
On Jan. 16 investigators executed a search warrant at Kelly’s home and seized several electronic devices. A search of the devices turned up at least 45 images of child pornography, police said.
Police secured an arrest warrant for Kelly and he turned himself in to police on Jan. 29. Kelly is charged with possession of child pornography, promoting obscene performance and obscenity.
Bill Harmer, the executive director of the Westport Library, said Kelly works as the library's manager of collection curation and released the following statement:
"We are shocked and saddened by this news. The safety of the Library patrons, staff and the community is a priority for us. The moment we were made aware of this investigation, we immediately restricted Mr. Kelly’s access to the Library, and its property, and instructed him not to perform his duties. This is now a police matter being handled by the Westport Police Department. As soon as we have an opportunity as an employer to move forward, we will do so," Harmer said in a statement.
Library patrons were dismayed to learn a man that works at a place so many children frequent faces such allegations.
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"It is surprising and shocking, but it’s hard to prevent it too. You just don’t know who that person is," said Westport resident Chris Lynch.
Kelly was released on a $100,000 bond and is due in court on Feb. 7.
