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Barnstable Man Charged with Child Exploitation

A 21-year-old man from Barnstable, Massachusetts has been charged with child exploitation offenses, according to federal authorities.

Atticus J. Bernard, 21, was arrested on July 23, 2021, and subsequently indicted on two counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography.

According to the indictment, Bernard allegedly used two minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the production and distribution of child pornography on two separate occasions between approximately November 2019 and October 2020.

He is also accused of possessing child pornography on January 14, 2021. The indictment alleges that Bernard used the minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the production and distribution of child pornography on two separate occasions.

The charges carry severe penalties, including up to 30 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for the sexual exploitation of children charge. The possession of child pornography charge carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin is prosecuting the case. Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell, Frederick J. Regan, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Secret Service in Boston, and Barnstable Police Chief Matthew Sonnabend made the announcement. The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to protect children from exploitation and abuse.

The public is encouraged to call 617-748-3274 with any questions, concerns or information regarding this case. The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, which marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors will be considered in determining the sentence.