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Date: 17 Dec 1993 00:39:41 GMT
From: cburian@UX4.CSO.UIUC.EDU(Christopher J Burian)
Subject: File 8--Feds Bust Boston-area Gay BBS (#1)

The UPI wire service reported that Medford, Massechusetts resident
Alden L.  Baker Jr. was indicted Wednesday for distributing child
pornography from his computer bulletin board, "Boston's Eagle's Nest."

Baker is also accused of employing or coercing a minor to engage in
sexually explicit acts for images to be distributed via computer.
Prosecutors claim that the BBS made available for download many images
involving the use of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  If
convicted, Baker could be sentenced up to 10 years in prison and a
fine of up to $100,000 on each count.

US Attorney Donald K. Stern said, "The use of computerized 'bulletin
board' systems which distribute pornographic images to members
throughout the country are particularly deserving of our vigorous
prosecution."

Here is a commentary from a Boston-area resident:

==== Repost ====

From--kip@world.std.com (Bob B Chatelle)
Subject--Feds Bust Boston-area Gay BBS
Date--Thu, 16 Dec 1993 22:17:56 GMT

According to today's Boston Herald, Federal prosecutors have arrested
the sysop of a local gay BBS called the Boston Eagle's Nest and
charged him with distributing child pornography.  The sysop is facing
ten years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Busting gay boards is SOP for the Feds here in the Boston area.
During the summer of 1992, they busted a very fine board called Doug's
Den, which I very much miss.  Doug's Den was busted on the usual bogus
kiddie-porn charges.  (I downloaded enough porn from Doug's Den to
know that the charges were false.) I'm sure that the charges against
the Eagle's Nest are just as phony as the charges against Doug's Den.
The intent is to close down the boards and discourage other boards
from operating--or at least from exercising their First Amendment
rights.

I'm curious about how many gay boards all over the country Janet Reno
and her stormtroopers are shutting down.  Any info will be greatly
appreciated.


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