An Attleboro resident, Eric Brault, has entered a guilty plea in a Boston federal court for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Brault, aged 31 and a Level 1 sex offender, admitted to the charge on May 9, 2025. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris has set the sentencing date for August 7, 2025.
The charges stem from an investigation into an encrypted online chat platform used for trafficking CSAM. Authorities identified Brault as a participant in multiple groups disseminating such material. A search of his home uncovered a Samsung Galaxy phone hidden in his bedroom, which matched the account linked to the platform. Examination of the device revealed membership in over 50 CSAM-related chat groups and an album containing more than 200 video files depicting child abuse.
Brault's criminal history includes a conviction in 2012 for indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years old, resulting in an 18-month probation sentence.
The potential penalties Brault faces include imprisonment ranging from at least ten years to twenty years, supervised release from five years to life, and fines up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by federal guidelines and relevant statutes.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol of Homeland Security Investigations announced these developments with support from the Attleboro Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Soto is handling prosecution duties.
This case falls under Project Safe Childhood, initiated by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation nationwide by coordinating resources at various governmental levels.
For further details on Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.