Simmons College professor arrested on child porn charges

Alyssa AzoteaConcord, N.H., Police Department

A 37-year-old Simmons College psychology professor has been arrested on child pornography charges, officials said.

Alyssa Azotea of Concord, N.H., turned herself in to police Friday after warrants were issued for her arrest, according to Concord police. She faces four charges of computer pornography and three charges of endangering the welfare of a child, and was ordered held on $11,000 cash bail, police said.

Concord police made the arrest after authorities in Hollis, N.H., discovered messages about child fantasies exchanged between Azotea and David Pelusi, 46, of Hollis, Concord police said.

According to Hollis police, Pelusi was arrested on Aug. 22 on charges of possession of child pornography and exchanging messages regarding conduct with children. He was held on a $50,000 cash bail and arraigned in the Ninth Circuit District Division Court in Nashua Aug. 24, police said.

Pelusi and Azotea had exchanged messages between Aug. 16 and 22, according to Concord police. Evidence allegedly showed messages about sexual fantasies between Azotea and Pelusi that involved children as young as 5 years old, Concord police said.

Azotea has worked as a part-time faculty member at Simmons College since 2011, the college said in a statement.

“The charges, if true, would be deeply disturbing” Simmons said. “Consistent with our policy, this faculty member has been put on paid leave pending the outcome of this matter.”