Anthony Argo, Child Pornography Offenses, Massachusetts 2024

BOSTON – A shocking case of child exploitation has come to light in Orleans, Massachusetts, as Anthony Argo, 33, was arrested and charged with possession of child sexual abuse material.

According to the charging documents, Argo was identified as the user of a chat application who was expressing sexual interest in minors and sharing CSAM. It is alleged that during a search of his residence, Argo was found in possession of an SD card containing more than 100 video files depicting child pornography. The files allegedly depicted children as young as infants.

Argo's prior convictions in Barnstable District Court for indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over, and in Orleans District Court for kidnapping, enticement of a child under 16, and distributing obscene matter to a minor, have made his current charge a serious one.

The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Argo made an initial appearance in federal court in Boston yesterday, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Maynard of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the federal government.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. Argo is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/orleans-man-arrested-child-pornography-offenses