A middle school librarian in Massachusetts has been arrested on allegations of distributing child sexual abuse material. Scott McGinley, 55, of Holyoke, is charged with one count of distribution of child pornography. He was taken into custody and is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson.
McGinley works as a librarian for Williams Middle School and Glenbrook Middle School in Longmeadow. Authorities allege that in July 2025, he distributed illicit material to a group called “Little boyz only” using an encrypted messaging app. Law enforcement officials, posing as another user on the platform, reported that McGinley disclosed his sexual preference for young boys between ages 2 and 12, particularly those aged 4 to 7. In conversations with undercover officers, McGinley allegedly stated he had students aged 11 to 14 but claimed not to have engaged in sexual contact with them. He also reportedly described seating arrangements designed to observe male students and made explicit comments about them.
During a search conducted on August 8, authorities say they found multiple electronic devices at McGinley’s residence: two iPhones, an Apple Watch, a tablet and two laptops. Investigators also recovered a locked Pelican case containing various children’s items such as clothing for ages five to seven, a Santa costume, diapers and diaper cream. The case also allegedly held a toolbox filled with boys’ underwear and bedding.
Forensic examination of one phone revealed more than 100 files depicting child sexual abuse material according to court documents; further analysis of other devices continues.
Members of the public seeking information or wishing to report concerns related to this case are encouraged to call 617-748-3274 or email USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.
If convicted of distribution of child pornography under federal law, McGinley faces between five and twenty years in prison, supervised release from five years up to life and fines up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal judge following the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley along with Ted E. Docks from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division. Support came from FBI Nashville Division as well as Longmeadow and Holyoke Police Departments; Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Merck is prosecuting the case.
This investigation falls under Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative started in May 2006—to address child exploitation crimes nationwide by coordinating resources among federal, state and local agencies (https://www.justice.gov/psc).
Officials stress that all details contained within charging documents remain allegations; McGinley is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
