WEST SPRINGFIELD — A West Springfield man was arrested today for allegedly distributing a digitally altered image intended to harass an individual, according to local authorities.
Jason Kehoe, a resident of Maple Street, faces charges of distributing visual material to harass, commonly referred to as “revenge porn,” after a detective with the West Springfield Police Department (WSPD) discovered the explicit content on several of Kehoe’s social media accounts.
The posted photo-image depicted a person in a state of nudity.
The detective, who recognized both Kehoe and the victim, reached out to the individual in the image, who was unaware of the postings.
The victim, who had no significant relationship with Kehoe and knew him only as an acquaintance, helped the detective locate the original, unaltered image online.
Further investigation by the WSPD revealed that Kehoe had digitally manipulated the image to make it appear as though the victim was nude.
Additionally, he accompanied the altered photo with derogatory comments directed at the individual on two social media platforms.
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, Section 43 A(b), which was enacted on Sept. 17, specifically makes such actions illegal.
Kehoe was taken into custody at his home without incident by members of the West Springfield Police Department on the stated charge.
