NORWICH – A lengthy joint investigation between the New York State Police, Norwich City Police Department and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force has led to the arrest of a Norwich man for child sex crimes.

According to police, 27-year-old Darren L. Pollock of the Town of Norwich has been charged with five counts of promoting a sexual performance by a child, class D felonies; and five counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child, class E felonies.

The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is a government program that assists local law enforcement agencies in responding to child pornography and cyber enticement cases, and was created in response to the increasing number of potential underage victims using the internet.

According to Chenango County District Attorney Joe McBride, when someone within the program receives a hit that suggests something with regard to child pornography is taking place, the Albany office contacts local authorities who then respond accordingly.

“The local law enforcement receive the address of the actual computer, and then a search warrant is obtained and executed,” said McBride. “Yesterday, that’s what happened. Mr. Pollock’s computer was seized and searched, and then he was charged.”

McBride added that Pollock could be facing more than 35 years in prison.

Pollock was arraigned in the Norwich Town Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail.

He is set to appear for a felony hearing in the Town of Norwich Court on Friday.