Pittsfield Man Sentenced 46 Years for Child Sexual Exploitation

Justin Benoit, a 39-year-old man from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 46 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting children in his home and possessing hundreds of files of child sexual abuse material. Benoit pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography, with the abuse involving two girls and one boy, some under his care, occurring between February 2021 and February 2022. Authorities arrested Benoit following a 2022 search of his home, which uncovered numerous electronic devices containing images and videos of the abuse and additional child sexual abuse material, including files depicting sadistic abuse of infants and toddlers. U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley described Benoit's conduct as "diabolical," emphasizing the lasting trauma the images will cause victims, while FBI Special Agent Ted E. Docks labeled the actions "morally reprehensible" and affirmed public safety benefits from Benoit's incarceration. In addition to his prison term, Benoit was ordered to pay $7,500 in restitution to the victims, will serve 10 years of supervised release, and must register as a sex offender. Prosecutors hope the sentence brings justice to the victims and prevents further exploitation by Benoit.