Christopher Mota, a 29-year-old resident of Rehoboth, was arrested on March 16 and charged with four counts of sexual exploitation of children. Federal authorities allege that Mota sexually exploited four minor females between the ages of 12 and 16. He was taken into custody in Rehoboth and is scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court in Boston.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address child exploitation crimes. According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, the investigation began after a border search at Boston Logan International Airport on June 5, 2025. During this search, officials found an iPhone belonging to Mota that contained a hidden folder with apparent child sexual abuse material.
Federal authorities conducted a recorded interview with Mota, during which he admitted to storing illegal material on his phone and said he had obtained such content from minors through Snapchat, text messages, and Telegram. Mota allegedly estimated that he received material from approximately 20 to 25 minor girls and described the volume as “probably hundreds” of images or videos. A preliminary forensic review reportedly confirmed sexually explicit communications and exchanges involving at least four identified minors.
If convicted, Mota faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, along with 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 according to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the charges alongside Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm as part of Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 aimed at protecting children from exploitation and abuse.
Authorities remind the public that all details contained in the charging document are allegations and that Mota is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.