By Lindsey Stokes
Staff Writer

A Simmons psychology professor was arrested on alleged child pornography charges Aug. 22, according to police.

Alyssa Azotea, a 37-year-old part-time faculty member at Simmons, turned herself in after several warrants were issued for her arrest.

Azotea faces four charges of computer pornography and three charges of endangering the welfare of a child. Azotea was held on $11,000 bail.

Concord, N.H. police made the arrest after discovering messages between Azotea and David Pelusi of Hollis, N.H. detailing their fantasies involving children.

Pelusi was also arrested on Aug. 22 on alleged charges of possession of child pornography and exchanging messages regarding conduct with children. Pelusi was held on $50,000 cash bail and later arraigned in Nashua, N.H., on Aug. 24.

Between Aug. 16 and 22 Azotea and Pelusi exchanged mes- sages that, according to Concord police, allegedly detail sexual fantasies involving children as young as five years old.

In a statement to the press, Simmons described the charges as “deeply disturbing.” Azotea is on paid leave pending the outcome of the charges against her.