Barnstable Man To Serve 20 Years For Child Porn Production, Possession

BARNSTABLE, MA — A Barnstable man was sentenced this week in federal court in Boston for sexually exploiting two minor girls who were approximately four years old, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Massachusetts announced.

Atticus J. Bernard, 22, was sentenced to 20 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release. The government recommended a sentence of 30 years in prison.

In November 2022, Bernard pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography.

“Mr. Bernard’s vile and criminal behavior is a parent’s worst nightmare. He preyed upon, harmed and exploited two defenseless toddlers known to him. These innocent victims were under the age of five years old. That he documented the abuse for this own gross personal gratification is even more disgusting," said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins.

"Predators like Mr. Bernard who seek to sexualize and harm our children are a danger to society. While nothing can stop the pain he has caused, today’s sentence ensures that Mr. Bernard will be removed from our communities and unable to victimize, traumatize or harm any other children for many, many years."

On separate occasions in approximately November 2019 and approximately October 2020, Bernard sexually exploited two minor girls under the age of five-years-old and who were known to him, officials said.

Bernard documented the abuse and exploitation. A search of Bernard’s phone in January 2021 revealed numerous photos of Bernard exploiting the minor victims.

Bernard admitted that he had assaulted approximately five girls and recorded the assaults, and that each victim was assaulted four or five times, officials said.