FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HAVERHILL, Mass. – June 14, 2024 – An educational support professional at Gateway Academy in Haverhill was charged today with two felony counts of distributing obscene matter to a minor. Justin Smith, age 25, is accused of sending pornographic images to a 16-year-old student.

Smith was arrested by the Haverhill Police Department on Thursday, June 13 and arraigned in Haverhill District Court on Friday, June 14. At the arraignment, the Commonwealth requested bail be set at $15,000. Judge Cesar Archilla set bail at $4,000 and ordered conditions as requested by the Commonwealth: Smith is to have no contact with the alleged victim, no contact with minors, stay away from schools, and comply with GPS home confinement.

Smith is due to return to court on July 8 for a pretrial hearing.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Michael Keefe-Feldman

E: Michael.Keefe-Feldman@mass.gov

Office: 978-745-6610

Cell: 781-771-9779