Matthew Stefanelli, Child Pornography Possession, Massachusetts 2021

Local Man Sentenced for Possession of Child Pornography

BOSTON – In a disturbing case of child exploitation, Matthew Stefanelli, 33, of Upton, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 20 months in prison and five years of supervised release for possessing child pornography.

Stefanelli pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography on December 1, 2021. The case began in December 2020, when a CyberTip report identified Stefanelli as the owner of an account used to store child pornography.

A search of Stefanelli’s residence on January 6, 2021, resulted in the seizure of several electronic devices, including his cell phone. A forensic review of the phone revealed approximately 33 image files depicting child pornography, including the child identified in the CyberTip report.

Stefanelli stored these images in an encrypted application designed to appear as a calculator. Of those images Stefanelli possessed, 14 were from a known series of exploited children.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of the Worcester Branch Office. U.S. Attorney Rachael S. Rollins, Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, and Upton Police Chief Michael J. Bradley Jr. made the announcement today.

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Since its creation in 2006, Project Safe Childhood has marshaled federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children.

Stefanelli’s sentence serves as a reminder of the severe consequences for those who engage in such heinous crimes. As our community works to protect its most vulnerable members, it is essential to acknowledge the importance of continued efforts to combat child exploitation.

Defendant: Matthew Stefanelli

Criminal Charges: Possession of child pornography

City and State: Upton, Massachusetts

Date: January 6, 2021 (search of residence)

Sentence: 20 months in prison and five years of supervised release

Case Part of: Project Safe Childhood initiative

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