BOSTON— A Brazilian national was sentenced to 66 months in prison for his shocking involvement in a child pornography scandal that has rocked Massachusetts. Wernher Heideriqui, 38, was not only found with over 100 abhorrent files of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) but also faces deportation upon completion of his sentence.

The investigation into Heideriqui's activities began in August 2021, sparked by a CyberTip regarding the trafficking of CSAM. After being smuggled into the U.S. in 2021, authorities arrested Heideriqui on June 9, 2023, following a search of his Lynn residence, where they seized multiple electronic devices. According to reports, forensic examinations revealed that two of these devices contained disturbing videos of adult men committing unspeakable acts against children as young as four years old.

U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns delivered the sentence on October 8, 2025, following Heideriqui's guilty pleas to one count of receipt and one count of possession of child pornography. As part of his punishment, Heideriqui will be under supervised release for five years, during which time he must register as a sex offender. This case highlights the urgent need for ongoing vigilance and resources to combat child exploitation, as emphasized by U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley.

In a coordinated effort, the investigation was supported by the Lynn Police Department and is part of the nationwide Project Safe Childhood initiative, aimed at protecting children from exploitation and abuse. With the implications of this case stretching far beyond Massachusetts, it raises significant concerns about illegal immigration and child safety in the community.

The disturbing details of this case serve as a stark reminder of the horror of child exploitation and the relentless efforts needed to combat such crimes.