A Gloucester police officer has been charged with receiving child sexual abuse material, according to an announcement made in Boston. Alexander Aiello, 34, is facing one count of receipt of child pornography and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
The charging documents state that Aiello, who serves as a patrol officer with the Gloucester Police Department, was identified as having a registered account on a dark website used for downloading and distributing CSAM. A search conducted on April 28, 2025, resulted in the seizure of his cell phone, laptop, and a USB drive found in his bedroom nightstand.
Preliminary examinations allegedly revealed that Aiello's laptop had an active TOR Browser used for anonymous web access. The examination also reportedly uncovered downloaded files and encrypted folders on both the USB drive and laptop.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley remarked on the case: "As a law enforcement officer, Mr. Aiello was entrusted with safeguarding the community – and that includes protecting children from exploitation and abuse. Instead, he allegedly participated in one of the most reprehensible forms of exploitation." She emphasized the commitment to combating child exploitation irrespective of whether offenders are private citizens or public officials.
James Crowley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Boston Division stated: "As a police officer, Alexander Aiello was sworn to protect and serve, but today, the FBI charged him for receiving images of children being sexually abused." He highlighted the FBI's dedication to protecting children from such trauma through diligent pursuit by their Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force.
If convicted, Aiello faces a minimum sentence of five years up to 20 years in prison along with supervised release ranging from five years to life and a potential fine up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The public can contact authorities at 617-748-3274 or USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov for information regarding this case. The investigation received assistance from the Gloucester Police Department and is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm under Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the DOJ in May 2006 aimed at addressing child sexual exploitation.
The charges against Aiello remain allegations until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.