Former Boston children’s anesthesiologist pleaded guilty to distributing child sexual abuse material
A former Boston Children's Hospital anesthesiologist pleaded guilty Thursday to charges in connection with possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material.
Christopher Sheerer , 37, of Boston, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography and one count of sexual exploitation of children.
Sheerer was arrested and charged in July 2024 and has remained in federal custody since.
Sheerer was a fellow in pediatric cardiac anesthesiology at Boston Children's Hospital and previously a fellow in pediatric anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, the charging document stated.
Boston Children's Hospital did not immediately respond to comment Thursday afternoon.
In May 2024, a federal investigation began in Baltimore regarding a member of a group on an encrypted messaging app for "dads, uncles, and babysitters" that required users to post nude photos of children they knew under the age of 13 next to a handwritten sign with the group's name, according to the U.S. attorney's office. Sheerer was later identified as that user and court records state he posted a photo of a child he knew to gain access to the group.
After law enforcement searched Sheerer's home in Boston, several chats were found on his phone which contained photos and videos appearing to be child sex abuse material involving children as young as infants. Several devices, including his phone, tablet and computer, were seized.
Forensic analysis showed that Sheerer was involved in dozens of chats with users of the encrypted application, several of which included the exchange of child sexual abuse material. Several images of the child known to Sheerer were also located.
The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of sexual exploitation of children provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
Sheerer has been scheduled sentencing on Dec. 18.
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