By Nicholas Brown
Staff Writer

An Epsom man who has taught music to children in several area towns since the 1970s has been charged with multiple counts of possessing child pornography, according to the Merrimack County Sheriff's Office.

Police from the Merrimack County Sheriff's Department and Manchester arrested 53- year-old Thomas (T.J.) Rand, of 85 Blackhall Road on Thursday, Sept. 22.

The Merrimack County Sheriff's Office has been investigating Rand for more than a year, with the assistance of Epsom police and Merrimack County attorneys.

According to a motion to arrest by the assistant Merrimack County Attorney, Rand was indicted on six counts of child pornography relating to videocassettes, a poster and multiple computer images depicting lewd exhibitions. The motion also contends that the minors depicted in the images were once Rand's students.

Rand is also being charged with invasion of privacy, and is accused of installing a video camera to record a male juvenile in a Hooksett bathroom 13 to 14 years ago.

Rand was arraigned the day after the arrest at the Merrimack County Superior Court, pleading not guilty to the charges. He's being held at the Merrimack County Jail, with bail set a $25,000 cash or surety.

Lt. Phil Soule of the Merrimack County Sheriff's Department said the investigation of Rand began after a mother approached police claiming her child was victimized by Rand more than 20 years ago.

Soule described Rand as a "fixture in the area," who has taught music at several area schools - including Epsom. Police said Rand has been a music teacher, a band camp instructor and a director of musical plays. Soule said Rand has also worked with Boy Scouts of America.

The Sherriff's office requests that anyone with information regarding Rand and alleged illegal activity should contact police at 225-5583, ext. 127.