Detectives have arrested a 27-year male from Bel Air, identified as Dominic J. Lafrancesca, and charged him with 11 counts related to possession and distribution of child pornography.
Earlier this year, Detectives with the Harford County Child Advocacy Center received a tip regarding suspicious internet activity, specifically the downloading of multiple sexually explicit images of children that appeared to be between one and 13 years of age.
Detectives investigating the tip identified the suspect as Lafrancesca and developed additional probable cause leading to the issuance of search and seizure warrants. On Sunday, August 18, 2024, Detectives served the court ordered search warrants and Lafrancesca was taken into custody, at his home, without incident and transported to the Harford County Detention Center. At the time of his arrest, Lafrancesca was employed with the Harford County Public Schools as an elementary school music teacher, assigned to George D. Lisby Elementary School.
Information gathered during the investigation indicates Lafrancesca admitted to routinely downloading photos of children that, under Maryland law, are considered child pornography. In addition to the downloading and possession of the photos, Lafrancesca also admitted to sharing the photos online with other adults.
After a bail hearing on Monday, August 19, 2024, Lafrancesca was ordered to be held without bail at the Harford County Detention Center. Although an arrest has been made, this investigation continues to be very active. and detectives are continuing their work. Much of the investigation will continue with the assistance of the Sheriff’s Office Digital Forensics Unit. Members of the Unit are already working to analyze multiple electronic devices seized during the court-ordered searches.
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who believes they may have been a victim of these or related crimes, who may have information about victims, or who has relevant information about potentially inappropriate actions by Lafrancesca, to come forward and contact Detective Reynolds at the Harford County Child Advocacy Center at 443-409-3502. Your cooperation is crucial in ensuring the safety of our community and aiding the ongoing investigation. No further investigative information is being released at this time.
The Harford County Child Advocacy Center (CAC), established in 1993, was founded on the long-recognized importance of inter-agency cooperation in providing a coordinated response to allegations of sexual child abuse, child exploitation, child sexual assaults, child neglect, sexual solicitation of a minor, child pornography, and serious physical abuse of children in Harford County. To further enhance communication and coordination, concerned parties agreed to create a Child Advocacy Center, bringing together law enforcement, prosecutors, social service providers and victim advocates in one location.
The CAC remains steadfast in its mission to advocate and collaborate in the investigation, education, and healing of victims of child maltreatment and their families. Through outreach, partners work together to stop abuse when it occurs and to prevent abuse before it begins.