Norfolk Man Charged with Sexually Exploiting Minor

A Norfolk man has been arrested and charged with allegedly sexually exploiting a two-year-old minor victim from Massachusetts. Ethan Irving, 36, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of sexual exploitation of children. Irving was arrested this morning in Norfolk and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at 3:15 p.m. today.

According to the charging documents, on Dec. 15, 2025, while reviewing evidence related to Irving’s state prosecution, additional child sexual abuse material (CSAM) was allegedly located on Irving’s devices that had not previously been seen by investigators. Specifically, the images allegedly appeared to be a continuous series, sequential in time, depicting Irving sexually abusing a two-year-old female toddler who was known to him.

Irving previously pleaded guilty to Dissemination of Obscene Matter and Possession of Child Pornography in Wrentham District Court in December 2025, for which he was sentenced to two years of probation with conditions that prohibit his contact with children.

The charge of sexual exploitation of minors provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and other law enforcement officials made the announcement, commending the efforts of the Massachusetts State Police and the Norfolk Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse.

The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of child exploitation, and the importance of continued vigilance in identifying and prosecuting those who seek to harm our most vulnerable citizens. As this investigation unfolds, our commitment to justice remains unwavering.

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

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