Massachusetts man allegedly victimized children in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri through Snapchat
Boston A man from Massachusetts was taken into custody and accused of producing child pornography.
Scott Cunha, 24, is accused by the Massachusetts Department of Justice of enlisting a 15-year-old juvenile in order to create and distribute child pornography to him. Cunha was taken into custody at his Brookline residence.
The complaint claims that starting at least in 2022, Cunha used Snapchat to interact with numerous young people nationwide, ages 10 to 16. In exchange for the promise or real transfer of money, he allegedly enlisted the children to take naked photos and videos of themselves and send them to him over Snapchat. Cunha allegedly persecuted children in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Indiana, Michigan, and Missouri by giving them money in exchange for meeting him in person and having sex with him, as well as by luring them to email child pornography. In fact, Cunha met with at least one underage victim, according to the charging papers.
Cunha used to work as a lifeguard and swim instructor in Brookline, according to CBS News.
The public should call (617) 748-3274 if they think they could have been the victim of this person or an alleged crime.
A minimum required penalty of 15 years in prison, a possible term of life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 are all associated with the charge of producing child pornography. Judges in federal district courts issue sentences in accordance with the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and laws that control the imposition of sentences in criminal cases.
The announcement was made today by Federal Bureau of Investigations Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen and United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. The case is being prosecuted by Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Riley and Torey B. Cummings.
The information in the charge documents is an accusation. Until the defendant is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, they are presumed innocent.
