When you have a child, something activates. Well, several things. There are new worries and new concerns, and if youāre anything like me, you might begin to start rehearsing ways to save your child if things go wrong. As parents, weāre hyper-vigilant about our children's safety and are always on the lookout for potential threats.
We know theyāre out there. But there are some places we might not think to look. Sadly, some of the places and people we trust the most, pose the biggest risk. Predators are often able to do the most damage, when they are granted constant and often unquestioned access. Disturbingly, this was the case for a doctor in Massachusetts.
Dr. Bradford Ferrick was training to be a family doctor.
The FBI arrested 32-year-old Ferrick, a resident doctor with access to children, yesterday after authorities say they discovered images and video of child pornography in his possession, The Daily Caller reported.
The investigation into Ferrick began in January, after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children flagged a Google account for uploading explicit images of minors, the Daily Mail reported.
The organization's report led to an investigation by law enforcement.
Two of the uploads from November 2021 and March 2022, were made from an address near Ferrickās medical school at State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.Ā Further investigation found that the uploads came from an IP address linked to his family home. Authorities first attempted to search Ferrickās family home on February 13, 2023, but he refused to speak with officers.
Officers confiscated dozens of devices from his home.
Still, officers confiscated 61 electronic devices they say contain thousands of images and videos of child pornography. His father claimed the devices belonged to him. After Ferrick's arrest, the doctorās office where he was being trained placed him on unpaid administrative leave.
He was first charged with four state counts of child pornography possession. Ferrick pleaded not guilty, paid the $50,000 cash bail, and was released. He was ordered to remain in his home.
Following an appearance in US District Court in Boston, and federal charges, he is being held in custody until March 21, the date of his next hearing, reported the Daily Mail.
Authorities also say they found hidden cameras Ferrick was using during his medical examinations of children.
In addition to the alleged illicit images of children, investigators say they also found videos from Ferrickās medical exams, in which child patients were being filmed. The exams, which referenced a childās genitalia, were allegedly recorded on a hidden camera disguised as a bracelet Ferrick wore.
As a part of its investigation, the FBI searched a third property belonging to Ferrickās relatives. There, they say they found a hidden camera in a bathroom, disguised to look like a wall outlet. These relatives have two young children.
The investigation into Ferrick's actions is ongoing.
āI can think of no greater fear as a parent or guardian than potential harm coming to your child. Today we allege that this doctor, who held a position of trust with access to children, maintained child sexual abuse material. The investigation is active and ongoing,ā US Attorney Rachael S. Rollins announced in the release, The Daily Caller reported.
Possession of child pornography carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison with a least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release. There is also a fine of $250,000.
