ATHOL — An Athol man has been arrested and charged for allegedly possessing child sexual abuse material after a federal search warrant was executed at his home on Wednesday, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Kristopher Ambrozewicz, 35, is charged with one count of possession of child pornography. He was arrested Wednesday morning and remains detained pending a hearing scheduled for Friday, Aug. 14, in federal court in Worcester.
According to charging documents, during a search of Ambrozewicz’s residence, an on-site review of his cellphone allegedly revealed several videos depicting child sexual abuse material. Numerous electronic devices including laptops, hard drives and other electronic storage media were seized for further forensic review.
Ambrozewicz allegedly told law enforcement that he has been a youth soccer referee and referee assigner for the North Quabbin United Soccer Club, and works part-time at CHD Outpatient Behavioral Health Services in Orange, where he sees both youth and adult patients.
According to a statement posted by the North Quabbin United Soccer Club, Ambrozewicz has been removed from all club responsibilities and access, and the club “will continue to cooperate with law enforcement and take any additional actions that may be appropriate as more information becomes available.”
“NQU has safeguards in place for the adults who participate in our youth programs,” the club said in its statement. “Coaches, referees, volunteers and board members are required to complete and pass applicable CORI and background checks, and complete SafeSport training. In light of today’s news, we will also be reviewing our existing policies and procedures to determine whether any additional safeguards should be implemented.”
According to a statement from CHD, Ambrozewicz’s employment was immediately suspended.
“CHD immediately suspended the employment of the individual charged and is fully supporting the law enforcement investigation,” the company’s statement reads. “Anyone with questions or concerns related to their care at the Orange clinic can call CHD at 413-439-2246.”
The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, no less than five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks of the FBI’s Boston division made the announcement Wednesday. Assistance was provided by the Athol Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Noto of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274 or email Centralmareport@fbi.gov.
