Plymouth, Massachusetts, January 14, 2026
Robert Meserve, a 38-year-old from Plymouth, has been arrested in New Jersey on federal charges related to the sexual exploitation of children in the Philippines. He faces serious allegations of paying to view and record the livestream abuse of young victims. Investigations revealed that he communicated with individuals involved in the abuse and directed their actions. With a potential 30-year prison sentence ahead, this arrest highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and safeguard vulnerable children across borders.
Plymouth, Massachusetts
South Shore Man Arrested on Federal Child Exploitation Charges
A profound sadness often accompanies the realization that the tender innocence of childhood can be exploited. Such a somber understanding arises with the recent arrest of Robert Meserve, 38, of Plymouth, who faces federal charges related to the alleged sexual exploitation of children in the Philippines. Meserve was apprehended in New Jersey on Tuesday morning, January 13, 2026, marking a critical development in the ongoing efforts to safeguard the vulnerable.
Federal prosecutors announced that Meserve is charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of children. It is alleged that he engaged in the deeply disturbing act of paying to observe and record livestream videos depicting the sexual abuse of six and eight-year-old victims in the Philippines. One of these young victims was described as non-verbal with disabilities, a detail that underscores the profound vulnerability targeted in these alleged crimes.
Law enforcement in Bergen County, New Jersey, initially became aware of Meserve’s alleged activities in June 2025. Investigations indicated that he was reportedly involved in communications, negotiating payments, and directing the sexual abuse of children by trusted adults, all occurring on live streams which he then screen-recorded. A subsequent forensic examination of Meserve’s devices reportedly uncovered files consistent with child sexual abuse material, alongside corresponding communications and payments.
Meserve now faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a potential fine of up to $250,000. He is scheduled to make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date. This arrest highlights the reach of law enforcement in confronting such transnational offenses, extending protection to children across borders.
A Persistent Shadow: Broader Regional Concerns
The threads of child exploitation and abuse weave a distressingly consistent pattern across various communities. In Massachusetts, this recent federal case echoes a series of other grave allegations and legal proceedings.
In December 2024, more women initiated lawsuits against former pediatrician Dr. Richard Kauff and South Shore Medical Center, claiming sexual abuse. Dr. Kauff, 68, of Norwell, had previously pleaded not guilty in January 2024 to 16 charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of two victims during their annual checkups. The investigation into Dr. Kauff expanded significantly in July 2024, when he faced new charges alleging the sexual assault of 24 young patients over his decades-long career. These allegations detailed similar invasive exams, with some victims reporting the abuse began as early as eight years old. He faces numerous additional charges, including 11 counts of rape of a child with force and nine counts of indecent assault and battery of a child, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
Separately, in December 2024, former school employees Michael Lyons, 32, of South Shore, and Makenzie Rice, 24, were indicted on child abuse charges. Lyons was specifically indicted on 14 counts of first-degree criminal abuse.
In a different incident in May 2025, a former preschool teacher in Scituate, Lilly Garofola, 29, of Hull, was arraigned on charges of allegedly physically assaulting several young students at the Little Steps Learning Center. She pleaded not guilty to four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and 12 counts of assault and battery. The allegations included pushing and slamming children to the ground, into seats, tables, chairs, and walls, along with verbal abuse.
Further demonstrating a sustained commitment to combating these crimes, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a fugitive in April 2025 who was wanted for child exploitation charges originating in Kansas. Across Massachusetts, efforts continue, such as a November 2025 child exploitation sting operation, “Operation Firewall,” conducted by Massachusetts State Police, which led to over 50 arrests in 38 communities, including men charged with enticement of a child.
A Call to Vigilance and Protection
The recurring nature of these allegations and arrests serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present need for vigilance. The quiet suffering of children, often hidden from plain sight, compels a collective resolve to protect them. These events, though disheartening, underscore the diligent work of law enforcement and the justice system in their pursuit of accountability. Each action taken, from initial investigation to prosecution, is a step toward shielding the most vulnerable among us and fostering environments where children can flourish in safety and peace. The pain of such violations calls forth not despair, but a renewed dedication to the human duty of care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the latest child exploitation charges in the South Shore area?
On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Robert Meserve, 38, of Plymouth, was arrested in New Jersey and faces federal charges related to the alleged sexual exploitation of children in the Philippines.
What specifically is Robert Meserve accused of?
Robert Meserve is charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of children. It is alleged that he paid to watch and record livestream videos of six and eight-year-old victims in the Philippines being sexually abused, one of whom was non-verbal with disabilities.
When did authorities first become aware of Robert Meserve’s alleged activities?
Law enforcement in Bergen County, New Jersey, learned of Meserve’s alleged activities in June 2025.
What is the potential sentence for Robert Meserve if convicted?
If convicted, Robert Meserve faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a potential fine of up to $250,000.
Have there been other significant child abuse or exploitation cases on the South Shore recently?
Yes, in December 2024, more women sued former pediatrician Dr. Richard Kauff and South Shore Medical Center for alleged sexual abuse. Also in December 2024, former school employees Michael Lyons, 32, of South Shore, and Makenzie Rice, 24, were indicted on child abuse charges. In May 2025, former Scituate preschool teacher Lilly Garofola, 29, of Hull, was arraigned on charges of allegedly physically assaulting several young students. Additionally, in April 2025, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a fugitive wanted for child exploitation charges in Kansas.
Key Details of Recent Child Exploitation and Abuse Cases
| Event/Case | Date/Period | Accused Individual(s) | Location | Charges/Allegations | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Child Exploitation Charges | Arrested Jan 13, 2026 (Allegations from June 2025) | Robert Meserve, 38, of Plymouth | Plymouth, Massachusetts (Arrested in New Jersey, victims in Philippines) | Sexual exploitation of children (paying to watch/record abuse via livestreams) | Nationwide (federal) |
| Pediatrician Sexual Abuse Allegations | Lawsuits Dec 2024, New charges July 2024 (Allegations over decades) | Dr. Richard Kauff, 68, of Norwell | Norwell, Kingston, South Shore Medical Center, Massachusetts | Sexual assault of 24 patients, including rape of a child with force, indecent assault and battery of a child | State-level |
| Former School Employees Indicted | Dec 17, 2024 | Michael Lyons, 32, of South Shore; Makenzie Rice, 24 | South Shore | 14 counts of first-degree criminal abuse (Lyons) | State-level |
| Preschool Teacher Physical Assault | Arraigned May 21, 2025 (Allegations April-May 2025) | Lilly Garofola, 29, of Hull | Scituate, Massachusetts (Little Steps Learning Center) | Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery (physically assaulting young students) | State-level |
| Fugitive Arrest for Child Exploitation | Apr 25, 2025 | Unidentified Fugitive | Suffolk County, Massachusetts (Wanted for charges in Kansas) | Child exploitation charges | Nationwide (interstate) |
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