⏱ 2 min read
Brian Hargraves, a 55-year-old man from Albany, posed as a teenage boy online to obtain child sexual abuse material from a 16-year-old minor victim in New Hampshire. The disturbing scheme was uncovered in April 2025, when law enforcement searched Hargraves’ mobile phones following a citizen complaint. The investigation revealed that Hargraves had been in contact with the minor victim, who he had manipulated into sending him explicit images and videos. After his devices were seized, Hargraves attempted to obstruct justice by contacting the victim and asking her not to testify against him.
The evidence against Hargraves was damning, with investigators finding sexually explicit images and videos of the minor victim on one of his phones. Further investigation revealed that Hargraves had been posing as a teenager in online communications with other minors, raising concerns about the potential for further victims.
Hargraves was arrested in May 2025 and has been detained since then. He pleaded guilty to a two-count Information charging him with Possession of and Access with Intent to View Child Pornography and Obstruction of Justice. The case was investigated by the FBI, with support from other law enforcement agencies.
The outcome of the case has been welcomed by law enforcement officials, who hailed the conviction as a significant victory in the fight against child sex abuse. U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan stated that Hargraves’ predatory conduct had been stopped, and that he would serve a significant prison sentence. The FBI’s Special Agent in Charge, Ted Docks, emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable minors from predators like Hargraves.
Related Federal Cases
- Philip Longeway, Access with Intent to View Child Pornography, New Hampshire 2024 · New Jersey
- Brian Eric Hynes, Child Pornography Possession, New Hampshire 2024 · Hawaii
- Dwayne Frechette, Possessing and Accessing with Intent to View Child Pornography, New Hampshire 2024 · Utah
- David Morel Jr., Child Pornography Possession, New Hampshire 2016 · Arkansas
- Brian Eric Hynes, Child Porn Possession, New Hampshire 2022 · Hawaii
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Sex Crimes
- Defendant: New Hampshire
- Location: NH
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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