Michael Ferro, Child Exploitation, Connecticut 2021

A grim discovery has shaken the quiet town of Avon, Connecticut, as Michael Ferro, a 35-year-old resident, has been charged with multiple child exploitation offenses.

According to a federal complaint, Ferro used the Kik social media application to engage in a group chat with an FBI Online Covert Employee (OCE) posing as a father of a 12-year-old girl. After the OCE revealed that he was engaging in sexual activity with his ‘daughter,’ Ferro sent a ‘live photo’ depicting the genitals of a child.

Ferro then expressed his interest in meeting the OCE’s daughter to engage in sexual activity. On August 18, 2021, investigators traveled to Ferro’s residence, informed him of the investigation, and seized his cell phone.

The complaint charges Ferro with sexual exploitation of children, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years; attempted receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and attempted enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

The investigation is being led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Avon Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

Acting U.S. Attorney Leonard C. Boyle stressed that a criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt, and Ferro is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Ferro was released on a $100,000 bond after appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford.

This case is part of the U.S. government’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. To report cases of child exploitation, visit www.cybertipline.com.

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