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Massachusetts Police Arrest 56 in 'Operation Firewall' Child-Exploitation Sweep

Officials detailed the three-day sweep, signaling additional arrests are likely.

Overview

  • State Police said the statewide operation targeted child sexual abuse material offenses and child enticement, resulting in 56 arrests.
  • Charges include 25 for possession of CSAM, 19 for enticement of a child, seven for failure to register as a sex offender, and five on warrants for rape or assault and battery on a child.
  • The three-day effort ran last week across Worcester County, the Berkshires, Middlesex County, and the Cape & Islands.
  • Troopers seized 229 electronic devices, and the defendants range in age from 18 to 75, with one woman among those arrested.
  • Leaders cited a more than 270% rise in cyber tips since 2020, noted many repeat offenders and some suspects from out of state, and briefed reporters Monday at State Police headquarters in Framingham.