Barnstable Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Child Pornography
BOSTON – In a disturbing case of child exploitation, Atticus J. Bernard, 22, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for producing and possessing child pornography. The sentencing took place on today, in federal court in Boston.
According to the investigation, Bernard sexually exploited two minor girls, approximately four years old, on separate occasions in November 2019 and October 2020. He documented the abuse and exploitation, which included numerous photos of him assaulting the minor victims, and possessed the child sexual abuse material on his cell phone.
Bernard admitted to assaulting approximately five girls, recording the assaults, and stated that each victim was assaulted four or five times. The discovery of this horrific activity was made in January 2021, following a search of Bernard’s phone.
The U.S. Attorney’s office, led by U.S. Attorney Rachael S. Rollins, announced the sentencing today, stating that Bernard’s actions are a parent’s worst nightmare. Rollins emphasized that predators like Bernard, who seek to sexualize and harm children, are a danger to society.
Bernard pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography in November 2022. The government had recommended a sentence of 30 years in prison. In a statement, Rollins noted that while nothing can stop the pain caused, today’s sentence ensures that Bernard will be removed from communities and unable to victimize, traumatize, or harm any other children for many years.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s office has worked closely with law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children.
In related statements, Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England, emphasized the importance of protecting children through the detection and apprehension of predators like Bernard. Andrew Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office, and Barnstable Police Chief Matthew Sonnabend also made statements supporting the effort to combat child exploitation.
The case is a disturbing reminder of the need for vigilance and cooperation in protecting children from exploitation and abuse. The Grimy Times will continue to monitor and report on cases like this, working to bring justice to victims and their families.
Related Federal Cases
- Richard Jay Sharp, Child Pornography Production and Possession, OH · Massachusetts
- David St. Jacques, Child Pornography Possession, Massachusetts 2023 · Massachusetts
- David St. Jacques, Possession of Child Pornography, Massachusetts 2021 · Massachusetts
- Thomas Stemmer, Child Pornography Receipt and Possession, Massachusetts 2024 · Massachusetts
- Bryan Horgan, Child Pornography Possession, Massachusetts 2023 · Massachusetts
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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