A Ludlow man, Christopher Barbaro, was arrested and charged on March 27 for allegedly threatening the father of a victim involved in a pending federal sex trafficking case. Barbaro, age 72, appeared before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Paul G. Levenson in Boston and was released on conditions.
The charges stem from allegations that Barbaro harassed and threatened a witness during an ongoing prosecution related to sex trafficking. According to charging documents, his grandson had been charged with conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor and transporting a victim for prostitution in May 2025. While the investigation was ongoing in late 2024, government investigators interviewed several individuals including one of the victims and the victim’s father.
Barbaro is accused of sending threatening messages to the victim’s father after these interviews took place. In November 2024, he allegedly sent a text message referring to them as “rats” and making threats about what happens to “rats.” Further allegations include leaving an explicit voicemail for the victim’s father in December 2025 and making additional calls shortly afterward reiterating similar threats.
In March 2026, Barbaro reportedly admitted to federal agents that he communicated with the victim’s father and acknowledged knowing where he lives and works. He also stated his intent toward physical violence against the individual due to actions taken against his grandson.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley said: “My office is committed to vigorously prosecuting anyone who threatens or harasses victims or witnesses… This office is committed to protecting the brave individuals who report crimes and assist in prosecutions to hold defendants accountable for their criminal conduct.” Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division said: “Christopher Barbaro learned today that witness tampering can land you in handcuffs… ensuring the safety of federal witnesses both before and after a prosecution is paramount, and the FBI takes Barbaro’s alleged acts extremely seriously.”
If convicted, Barbaro faces up to 20 years imprisonment per charge as well as fines up to $250,000 under statutes governing sentences for harassment or retaliation against witnesses. The details contained within charging documents are allegations; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
