BOSTON, MA – A Haverhill man and former Seabrook, N.H., police officer has been indicted on a federal charge of receiving child sexual abuse material, prosecutors announced.
John Giarrusso, 49, was indicted on one count of receipt of child pornography. He was initially arrested in August after being charged by criminal complaint and is expected to be arraigned in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the indictment, between October 16 and October 17, 2024, Giarrusso allegedly used the messaging app Kik to receive video files that contained child exploitation material.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release that can extend to life, and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. Assistance was provided by the Haverhill Police Department and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Soto of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 to coordinate federal, state, and local efforts in investigating and prosecuting crimes involving child exploitation, while also working to identify and assist victims.
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Prosecutors emphasized that the charges are allegations, and Giarrusso is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Former Seabrook, N.H., police officer John Giarrusso indicted for receiving child exploitation material.
- Prosecutors allege he used Kik to receive illegal videos in October 2024.
- Charge carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and up to 20 years if convicted.
The indictment underscores federal efforts under Project Safe Childhood to prosecute child exploitation cases.