KEENE, NH – A Keene couple is facing charges in connection with their alleged production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

According to a news release from U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young, as early as November 2023 Paul Baird, 43, was observed on a dark web chat site dedicated to CSAM of girls ages four to 14. He allegedly posted links to three CSAM images to the website on March 7th, 2024. A search of Paul and his residence in Keene Wednesday led to the arrests of both Paul and his wife Krystal Baird, 38, for the production of child sexual abuse material.

Paul was employed as a bus driver by the Student Transportation of America, a school transportation company that services the Contoocook Valley (ConVal) School District. In a statement ConVal Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo-Saunders said Paul is not an employee of the district, and has been terminated by the STA.

“It does not appear at this time that the arrest is connected to any activity involving our students and staff, or any District-related activity,” Rizzo-Saunders said.

According to an affidavit filed in federal court in Concord, a Special Agent with the US Department of Homeland Security said that while undercover on the website she discovered sexually explicit images of a man and a young girl. The images were traced to a residence in Keene and connected to Paul as the likely source.

The agent went on to say that Krystal admitted to investigators that she took two of the photos mentioned in the affidavit. She said the third was taken by Paul. She claims that she initially refused to take the photos, but eventually did so to avoid making Paul mad.

The Baird’s were charged by complaint for the production of child pornography and appeared in federal court Wednesday.

An investigation is ongoing. Anyone who has information regarding the case is asked to contact the Homeland Security Investigations’ New England Field Division’s Manchester Office at 603-629-2716. The Homeland Security Investigations is leading the investigation with assistance from the Keene Police Department.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. For more information visit projectsafechildhood.gov.