A Chicago resident has been arrested on charges of sexually exploiting a 14-year-old girl from Massachusetts, according to federal authorities.
Joshua Rogers, 30, was taken into custody in Chicago and faces one count of sexual exploitation of children. He is expected to appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
Charging documents state that Brookline law enforcement were alerted in July 2025 about an individual posing as a 17-year-old named “John” who was communicating with the minor via Snapchat. Authorities allege that Rogers coerced the victim into engaging in sexually explicit acts and requested documentation through photos or videos. It is also alleged that Rogers discussed kidnapping the minor or having her run away.
If convicted, Rogers faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, supervised release ranging from five years to life, and a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on applicable guidelines and statutes.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley stated: “United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Chief Jennifer Paster of the Brookline Police Department made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Chicago Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.”
The prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to protect children from exploitation and abuse by coordinating efforts among federal, state, and local agencies to apprehend offenders and assist victims. More information about this program can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Authorities remind that all details contained in charging documents are allegations and that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.