A federal grand jury in Boston has indicted Robert Burnham, 44, of Gloucester, on charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child pornography. Burnham was arrested in September 2025 and remains in custody as he awaits arraignment in federal court.
According to the indictment, between June 11, 2024, and October 4, 2024, Burnham allegedly coerced a 13-year-old girl into engaging in sexually explicit acts to produce images and videos that were sent to him through social media. The documents also state that on April 28, 2025, Burnham knowingly possessed files containing child sexual abuse material.
If convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor, Burnham faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to a lifetime of supervised release. The charge for possession of child pornography carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and similar supervised release terms. Both charges could result in fines up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal judge according to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, announced the indictment. Agencies including the Harper County Sheriff’s Office, FBI Kansas City, Lincoln Police Department, and Gloucester Police Department contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm is prosecuting the case.
“The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
