MARSTONS MILLS, MASSACHUSETTS – According to a Barnstable Police media statement, on September 4, 2025, a 39-year-old Marstons Mills resident, Dane Hitchins, was arrested on charges of possession of child pornography following a coordinated investigation by the Barnstable Police Department, the United States Secret Service Cyber Fraud Task Force, and the Barnstable Police K-9 Unit. The arrest stemmed from a search warrant executed at Hitchins’s residence, prompted by a CyberTip received by the Massachusetts State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The CyberTip alleged that a device at Hitchins’s home was uploading child sexual abuse material to an online server. During the on-scene investigation, authorities discovered at least one digital device containing child sexual abuse material, including an image referenced in the original tip. Several digital devices were seized and are currently under examination as the investigation continues.

Hitchins was arrested at the scene and booked at the Barnstable Police Department on a single count of possession of child pornography. He was arraigned at Barnstable District Court on September 5, 2025, with a probable cause hearing scheduled for October 6, 2025. The case is being prosecuted by the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office.

This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the spread of child sexual abuse material, with collaboration across local, state, and federal agencies proving critical in addressing such crimes. The investigation remains active as authorities continue to analyze the seized devices for additional evidence.

* HN reminder: all defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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