By Brendan DuBois, a New York Times best-selling author known for co-writing thrillers with James Patterson, has been arrested on child pornography charges. The 64-year-old writer was apprehended on Wednesday in New Hampshire and charged with six counts of child pornography possession.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation into DuBois began in March after Google reported that someone had stored apparent child pornography in a Google Drive account. The Exeter Police and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force launched a probe based on this tip.
Authorities secured a search warrant and raided DuBois’s home before he surrendered to the police on Wednesday. DuBois is currently being held in the 10th Circuit Court in Brentwood, awaiting his arraignment.
Evidence and Police Actions
Police were alerted to the child pornography by Google, which had detected and downloaded images showing children in suggestive poses or engaging in sexual acts with adults. The investigation tracked down the IP address associated with these uploads, leading them to DuBois’s residence on May 7.
When police arrived with the search warrant, DuBois declined to speak to authorities. His wife, Mona Pinette, informed officers that they used separate computers and had a password on their Wi-Fi to prevent outside access, as noted in an affidavit. She further stated that they were the only ones present in the home when the illicit images were downloaded.
Publishing and Professional Repercussions
Severn River Publishing, which has published 12 of DuBois’s books, has taken swift action by removing his biography and references to his novels from their website. The publisher issued a statement expressing their dismay over the serious allegations against DuBois: “We are deeply disturbed by the serious allegations against Brendan DuBois. While we respect the legal process, we have decided to immediately suspend all promotion and sales of Mr. DuBois’ books.”
The publishing company emphasized that such measures are necessary to uphold their values and maintain the trust of their readers and the broader publishing community.
DuBois’s Career and Literary Contributions
Brendan DuBois, a prolific author who has co-authored nine books with James Patterson, has seen substantial success, with Patterson’s works selling over 100 million books across all print formats. DuBois himself has written 19 novels, and his work has earned accolades such as the Edward D. Hoch Memorial Golden Derringer Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2021. He also appeared on Jeopardy! in 2012.
The recent arrest and charges cast a shadow over DuBois’s career, potentially impacting his standing in the literary community and future prospects.
Legal Proceedings and Community Impact
As DuBois faces serious legal charges, the case will proceed through the court system, where further details and evidence will be presented. The allegations have not only shocked the literary world but also the communities where DuBois’s works have been cherished. The outcome of the legal proceedings will determine the full impact on his career and legacy.
