By Tiffany Williams –
HYANNIS, Mass. — A 31-year-old Hyannis man is behind bars after a cyber investigation uncovered alleged possession and dissemination of child pornography, authorities say.
On January 23, 2026, Barnstable Police Detectives, working alongside the Massachusetts State Police and the United States Secret Service Cyber Fraud Task Force, executed a search warrant at a Hyannis residence. Investigators say the warrant stemmed from a CyberTip received by the Massachusetts State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and assigned to a task force officer from the Barnstable Police Department Investigative Services Division.
That CyberTip alleged a device, later identified as belonging to James Christie, likely possessed and disseminated child pornography.
Police say the follow-up investigation revealed Christie’s cellphone contained child pornography images, along with evidence of online chats in which it is believed Christie was communicating with other individuals about the sexual exploitation of children.
Christie was arrested in Plymouth, Mass. on February 3, 2026. He was later booked at the Barnstable Police Department and charged with possession of child pornography and dissemination of child pornography.
He was arraigned at Barnstable District Court on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, and is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on February 25, 2026.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing. The case is being prosecuted by the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office.