A Ludlow man, Christopher Barbaro, was arrested and charged on March 27 for allegedly threatening the father of a victim involved in a pending federal sex trafficking case. Barbaro, age 72, appeared before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Paul G. Levenson in Boston and was released on conditions.
The case highlights the serious legal consequences of attempting to interfere with or intimidate witnesses in federal prosecutions. Authorities allege that Barbaro harassed and threatened the victim’s father through text messages and phone calls after his grandson was charged with conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor.
According to charging documents, Barbaro sent a text message in November 2024 calling the victim’s father and his child “rats” and warning them about what happens to informants. In December 2025, he allegedly left a voicemail containing threats at the father’s workplace, followed by another call repeating accusations of being a “rat.” In March 2026, Barbaro reportedly admitted to federal agents that he made these communications and stated intentions to harm the victim’s father because of actions taken against his grandson.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley said, “My office is committed to vigorously prosecuting anyone who threatens or harasses victims or witnesses… This office is committed to protecting the brave individuals who report crimes and assist in prosecutions to hold defendants accountable for their criminal conduct.” Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division added: “Christopher Barbaro learned today that witness tampering can land you in handcuffs… ensuring the safety of federal witnesses both before and after a prosecution is paramount, and the FBI takes Barbaro’s alleged acts extremely seriously.”
If convicted on charges related to harassment or threats intended as retaliation against a witness, Barbaro faces up to 20 years imprisonment per charge as well as fines up to $250,000 each count; sentencing will be determined by guidelines set forth under U.S. law.
U.S. Attorney Foley credited assistance from local police departments including Ludlow, Wilbraham, and East Longmeadow Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Torey B. Cummings, Craig Estes, and Kunal Pasricha from the Criminal Division.
Authorities remind that all details contained within charging documents are allegations at this stage; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.