Andover Doctor Charged with Child Pornography in Federal Court

Andover resident Dr. Richard Keller, a 59-year-old who worked as the Phillips Academy medical director for 19 years, was charged today for receipt of child pornography in Boston's federal court Thursday.

Keller allegedly received films of minors engaging in sexually explicit behavior. According to a press release, Keller purchased over 50 DVDs of child pornography.

Keller works as a pediatric endocrinologist at Boston Children's Hospital and worked as Phillips Academy's medical director for 19 years before he stepped down in 2011.

"At this time, more than 500 photographs and between 60 - 100 DVDs have been recovered during an ongoing search of Dr. Keller’s home [Thursday]," a press release stated. 

In an affidavit attached to this article, it states that the movies all contained footage of young boys in sexually explicit situations.

Keller faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years in jail and possibly 20 years, with possible lifetime supervision. He could face up to $250,000 fine.

The following was provided by a Justice Department press release.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Robert Bethel, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Chief Brian J. Pattullo of the Andover Police Department made the announcement today. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael I. Yoon of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit.

Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274, and messages will be promptly returned.

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit
www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

The details contained in the complaint affidavit are allegations. The defendant is
presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.