Avon Man Charged With Child Exploitation: Feds

AVON, CT — An Avon man is facing federal child exploitation charges, according to prosecutors. Michael Ferro, 35, has been charged with sexual exploitation of children, attempted receipt of child pornography, and attempted enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.

According to prosecutors, Ferro began chatting in a Kik group with an FBI employee Aug. 18. The FBI covert employee was posing as the father of a 12-year-old girl.

When Ferro determined that the FBI covert employee was engaging in sexual activity with his "daughter," Ferro sent the employee a "live photo" depicting a child's genitals, according to prosecutors. Ferro then said he had more pictures to share and expressed an interest in meeting the daughter to engage in sexual activity.

Investigators went to Ferro's home Aug. 18 and seized his cell phone.

If convicted of all charges, Ferro will face a mandatory minimum prison term of 30 years or a maximum term of life. He was released on $100,000 bond.