An Attleboro resident, identified as a Level 1 sex offender, has been apprehended and charged with possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Eric Brault, aged 31, faces charges related to the possession of child pornography. He is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston.
Charging documents suggest that an investigation into an internet-based communications application used for trafficking CSAM allegedly pinpointed Brault as a participant. During a search conducted at his residence, authorities reportedly found Brault's phone containing over 200 video and image files appearing to depict CSAM. These were allegedly located within a photo album on his device.
Previously, Brault was convicted in Attleboro District Court for Indecent Assault and Battery on a Child Under 14 Years Old, resulting in an 18-month probation sentence.
The current charges carry potential penalties including a prison sentence ranging from 10 to 20 years, supervised release for five years up to life, and fines up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge according to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy alongside Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. The Attleboro Police Department provided valuable assistance during the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Soto from the Major Crimes Unit is handling the prosecution.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce gun violence and other violent crimes through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The initiative emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, prioritizing strategic enforcement actions, and evaluating outcomes.
It is important to note that the allegations contained in the charging documents are yet unproven in court; thus, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.