Seabrook Cop Busted: Giarrusso Faces Child Porn Charges

BOSTON – A sworn officer of the law is now accused of sickening crimes. John Giarrusso, 49, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, a police officer with the Town of Seabrook, New Hampshire, was arrested today and charged with receiving child sexual abuse material. The arrest adds another layer of depravity to a case already stained with accusations of exploitation.

Giarrusso faces one count of receipt of child pornography. Federal prosecutors allege that between October 16, 2024, and October 17, 2024, Giarrusso knowingly received video files depicting child sexual abuse via the messaging app Kik. Charging documents claim the victims in these videos appeared to be between approximately five and eleven years old. This isn’t a first offense; Giarrusso was already facing state charges.

Last month, the Essex County District Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts charged Giarrusso with possession of child pornography and distribution of graphic sexual images to a minor. He was released on bail for those state charges, but now finds himself facing federal scrutiny and potentially a much longer prison sentence. The confluence of state and federal allegations paints a disturbing picture of a man allegedly abusing his position of trust.

If convicted on the federal charge, Giarrusso could face a minimum of five years and up to twenty years behind bars. The penalty also includes at least five years – and potentially a lifetime – of supervised release, along with a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into account U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England, jointly announced the arrest. Valuable assistance was provided by the Haverhill Police Department and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Soto of the Major Crimes Unit is leading the prosecution. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative dedicated to combating child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in 2006.

The Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood aims to marshal federal, state, and local resources to identify, rescue, and prosecute those who exploit children. It’s a grim reminder that predators can hide in plain sight, even behind a badge. It is crucial to remember that the details presented in the charging documents are allegations, and Giarrusso is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. More information on Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.