Bestselling Author Brendan DuBois Arraigned on Multiple Counts of Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Materials

EXETER, N.H.—Bestselling author Brendan DuBois was arraigned on Thursday on multiple counts of possessing child sexual abuse materials after police discovered dozens of images depicting sexually explicit conduct. The 64-year-old from Exeter, New Hampshire, was arrested on Wednesday following an investigation initiated by the Exeter Police Department in collaboration with the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce.

DuBois faces six felony counts of possession of child abuse materials. Authorities revealed that he was found in possession of "at least 35 visual representations of children under the age of 18 engaging in various sexual acts." These materials were reportedly discovered on his electronic devices during the investigation.

Following his arrest, DuBois was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Rockingham County Jail. His legal representative, Harry Starbranch, has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Brendan DuBois is a well-known author in the mystery and thriller genres. According to his website, he has authored 29 novels and has co-written several others with James Patterson, including notable titles such as “The Summer House” and “Blowback.” Despite his literary success, the gravity of the charges has cast a shadow over his career.

In light of the serious allegations, Severn River Publishing, which recently published DuBois’ latest novel “Terminal Surf” and republished 11 of his other works, has taken immediate action. The company has removed all of DuBois’ books from its website and suspended their promotion and sales.

“We are deeply disturbed by the serious allegations against Brendan DuBois,” the company stated. “While we respect the legal process, we have decided to immediately suspend all promotion and sales of Mr. DuBois’ books. We believe these steps are necessary to uphold our values and maintain the trust of our readers, authors, and the publishing community.”

The charges against DuBois have sent shockwaves through the literary community, which is grappling with the news of the accusations against one of its prominent members. The case underscores the ongoing and pervasive issue of child sexual abuse materials and the efforts by law enforcement to combat it.

DuBois' arraignment marks the beginning of what is expected to be a lengthy legal process. If convicted, he faces significant legal repercussions, including potential prison time and mandatory registration as a sex offender. The case will likely draw considerable media attention, given DuBois’ high profile and the severity of the charges.

The Exeter Police Department and the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce continue their investigation, which may uncover further details and potentially additional charges. The collaborative effort between local law enforcement and specialized task forces highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling crimes of this nature.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims depicted in the materials allegedly possessed by DuBois. The case serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for vigilance and rigorous enforcement of laws against child exploitation.

In the meantime, DuBois' future as an author remains uncertain. The swift response from his publisher reflects a broader trend in the publishing industry to distance itself from authors accused of serious criminal behavior, prioritizing the integrity of the company and the safety of its readers. The impact on DuBois' readership and his standing in the literary world will be profound, regardless of the legal outcome.

The literary community, fans, and the public at large await further developments in this case, which continues to evolve as more information comes to light. The charges against DuBois not only tarnish his personal legacy but also highlight the broader issue of combating child exploitation and protecting vulnerable populations from such heinous crimes.

The case also brings to the forefront the role of publishers and the literary community in addressing allegations of criminal behavior among their authors. Severn River Publishing’s decision to suspend the promotion and sales of DuBois’ books underscores the responsibilities of publishers to uphold ethical standards and maintain the trust of their audience. This action reflects a commitment to distancing the literary community from individuals accused of serious offenses, even as the legal process unfolds.

For fans of DuBois’ work, the allegations and subsequent actions by the publisher are undoubtedly shocking and disappointing. The literary world now watches closely as the case progresses, with the hope that justice will be served and that the safety and well-being of children remain a top priority in all facets of society.

In conclusion, the arraignment of Brendan DuBois on charges of possessing child sexual abuse materials marks a significant and troubling moment in the literary community. The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings will be critical in determining the full extent of the allegations and ensuring accountability. Meanwhile, the response from the publishing industry and the broader public underscores a collective commitment to addressing and preventing such grave offenses.