A Fitchburg man has been arrested and charged with allegedly distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through Kik Messenger. Sean Pettigrew, 50, faces one count of distribution of child pornography. He was arrested today and is being held pending a hearing on July 18, 2025, in federal court in Worcester.
According to the charging document from April 2025, Pettigrew was identified as a member of a Kik Messenger group focused on the sexual abuse of children. It is alleged that he sent multiple images depicting CSAM to an undercover agent posing as a member of the chat. A search of Pettigrew’s Kik account allegedly revealed that he had distributed multiple CSAM files to other users.
The public is encouraged to call 617-748-3274 for questions or information regarding this case.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and potentially a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England announced the arrest today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial E. Bennett from the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The project involves federal, state, and local resources aimed at apprehending individuals who exploit children and rescuing victims.
All details within the charging document are allegations; Pettigrew is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
