BOSTON – A registered sex offender was arrested yesterday in connection with allegedly receiving and possessing child pornography via multiple groups on a messaging app.
Angel Figueroa, 49, of Fall River, was charged with receipt and possession of child pornography. Following an initial appearance yesterday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley, Figueroa was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Dec. 14, 2021,
According to the charging documents, Figueroa, a registered sex offender, was identified as an active member in at least four groups on a messaging app where child pornography was being disseminated. A preliminary forensic examination of Figueroa’s cell phone during a search of his residence yesterday revealed numerous images and videos of child pornography with minors as young as approximately six-years-old. During the search, Figueroa allegedly admitted that he viewed child pornography of female minors as young as approximately six-years-old via apps on his cell phone.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Fall River Acting Chief of Police Paul Gauvin made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane, of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
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