Barnstable Man Indicted on Child Exploitation Offenses

Atticus J. Bernard, 21, was indicted on two counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography. Bernard was detained following an initial appearance and arraignment on July 23, 2021.

According to the indictment, Bernard allegedly used two minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the production and distribution of child pornography on two separate occasions between approximately November 2019 and October 2020. In addition, on Jan. 14, 2021, Bernard allegedly possessed child pornography.

The charge of sexual exploitation of children provides for sentence of up to 30 years, a minimum of 15 years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Frederick J. Regan, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Secret Service in Boston; and Barnstable Police Chief Matthew Sonnabend made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.

The case is 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/.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.