'Murder book,' guns, found in home of man facing child porn charges

PLYMOUTH, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Officials who were executing a search warrant Tuesday at the home of a man being investigated for child pornography found even more than they thought they would, according to a  criminal complaint.

Brendan Kessler, 24, of Plymouth, appeared in court Tuesday and was held awaiting a detention hearing on Thursday related to child pornography possession and distribution charges, after a months-long investigation into his online activity.

Investigators say that on a thumb drive that Kessler said belonged to him, they found "numerous video files containing children being sexually exploited."

But while continuing to search Kessler's house, which he shares with an aunt, investigators say  they also found 11 guns - handguns, shotguns and rifles. They also found ammunition, boxes of fireworks, detonator cords, remote firing switches and systems, and a hand-written journal entitled "Mass Murder Book," the affidavit stated. The book reportedly contained "detailed entries describing steps to be taken in an assault." Investigators also said they found a handwritten list of "chemicals needed to create and energetic powder."

Plymouth's Chief of Police Michael Botieri said that inside the homemade book appeared to be a list of bombing targets, including the Plymouth police station and multiple schools.

Kessler's public defender told the Boston Globe that it was his understanding that the guns mentioned in the affidavit belong to someone else who lives in the house.

As of Wednesday, Kessler was not facing any gun or weapons charges, they may be forthcoming, a law enforcement official said. Currently, he is facing federal child porn charges which could get him up to twenty years in prison, if convicted.

Cox Media Group