Former Boston pediatric doctor sentenced for child sex crimes

An ex-pediatric specialist at Boston Children's Hospital has been sentenced to more than two decades in federal prison on charges of producing, possessing and distributing child sex abuse materials.

Christopher Sheerer, 37, was sentenced to 22 years in prison on Thursday, followed by five years of supervised release, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Sheerer was a fellow in pediatric cardiac anesthesiology at Boston Children's Hospital when he was arrested in July 2024. He had previously completed a fellowship in pediatric anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

In May 2024, authorities began investigating a user of an encrypted online chat group dedicated to sharing CSAM, according to prosecutors. Investigators traced the user's IP address to Johns Hopkins and identified Sheerer as the user.

A search of Sheerer's Boston residence led to the discovery of multiple chats on his phone containing videos and images depicting the sexual abuse of children, according to prosecutors. A forensic analysis of seized devices showed he participated in dozens of chats on an encrypted app involving the exchange of CSAM.

According to prosecutors, when Sheerer was at Johns Hopkins he uploaded images of a child known to him in order to gain access to the chat group.

Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol said in a statement that Sheerer was "among the worst" kind of criminal his office investigates.

"He held a position of trust in the community, but behind closed doors he was a predator of the highest order, not only participating in online groups dedicated to the sharing of photos depicting the sexual abuse of children but also acting as a hands-on offender," Krol said. "Now, he's facing over two decades behind bars."

Sheerer pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count each of distribution of CSAM, possession of CSAM and sexual exploitation of children.

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