Barnstable Man Charged with Child Exploitation

BOSTON – A Barnstable man was arrested on July 23 on child exploitation charges after investigators allege he produced and distributed child pornography.

The U.S. Attorney's Office states that 21-year-old Atticus Bernard was indicted on two counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography.

Bernard was detained after his July 23 arraignment.

He allegedly used two minors to engage in sexual conduct for the production and distribution of child pornography on two separate occasions, according to the indictment.

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The crimes allegedly took place between November 2019 and October 2020.

Authorities also claim that on Jan. 14 he was found to possess child pornography.

He faces a minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison and a lifetime of probation along with a $250,000 fine for the child sexual exploitation charges.

For the child pornography possession charges, Bernard faces up to 20 years in prison,  a lifetime of probation and a $250,000 fine.

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative that aims to protect children from exploitation and abuse.