DURHAM, N.H. -- The University of New Hampshire Police Department charged a registered sex offender with possession of child sexual abuse images after Dimond Library staff reported he was allegedly downloading images of naked children at a public computer.

Police immediately responded to the library Saturday, July 10, 2010, at approximately 3 p.m. after receiving a call from library staff. Phillip A. Burbank, 67, of 9 Bayberry Lane, Exeter, was arrested July 12, 2010, and charged with Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Images (RSA 649-A:3) after an extensive police investigation.

Burbank, who is not affiliated with UNH, was released on $5,000 personal recognizance bail and is scheduled to appear in Dover District Court July 22, 2010, at 8:30 a.m. He has a previous federal conviction for Possession of Child Pornography from 1995 and is a registered sex offender in New Hampshire. This case remains under investigation.

According to Deputy Police Chief Paul Dean, "This type of crime is particularly shocking because it affects the most vulnerable and innocent members of our society - its children. Dimond Library is a great place for children to explore and learn, and this arrest should send a clear message that this kind of criminal activity will not be tolerated."

The UNH Police Department was assisted in the investigation by the Madbury and Exeter police departments, the Strafford County Attorney's Office, and the Internet Crimes against Children Task Force managed by the Portsmouth, N.H., Police Department.

Anyone observing anyone or anything suspicious on campus is encouraged to call  911 immediately. For additional safety information go to: http://unh.edu/upd/Prevention%20-%20General.html
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