A Brookline resident, Ariel Torres, 37, has been arrested and charged with one count of possession of child pornography. The arrest took place after authorities identified Torres as an online user involved in a network used to share child sexual abuse material.
According to charging documents, law enforcement searched Torres’ home in May 2025 and seized multiple electronic devices. Officials allege that two of these devices contained approximately 49 images and 37 videos depicting child sexual abuse material.
Following his initial appearance in federal court in Boston, Torres was detained pending a hearing scheduled for November 25, 2025.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine that could reach $250,000. Sentencing decisions will be made by a federal district court judge according to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England, announced the arrest. The Brookline and Lawrence Police Departments provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus from the Major Crimes Unit is leading the prosecution.
The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to protect children from exploitation and abuse by coordinating efforts among federal, state, and local agencies. More information about this program can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Authorities emphasized that “the details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
