A Lowell resident has been taken into custody on federal charges related to child sexual abuse material. Anthony Saint Jean, aged 34, faces charges of distributing and possessing child pornography. He was apprehended at his home and appeared in federal court in Boston. His detention hearing is set for June 26, 2025.
The indictment alleges that between March 17, 2024, and August 20, 2024, Saint Jean distributed videos depicting child sexual abuse material online. It also claims he possessed such material involving minors under the age of 12.
If convicted of distributing child pornography, Saint Jean faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, along with at least three years of supervised release and a potential fine of $250,000. The possession charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison with similar conditions for supervised release and fines. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge according to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Authorities have urged anyone with questions or information about this case to contact them via phone or email.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol from Homeland Security Investigations in New England. They acknowledged assistance from the Lowell Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm is handling the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to address child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide by coordinating efforts across various levels of law enforcement.
The allegations against Saint Jean are yet to be proven in court; he remains innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
