A Massachusetts doctor has been arrested and placed on leave from his residency after law enforcement found devices containing "thousands" of videos and images of child sexual abuse — as well as evidence that he was secretly filming himself examining children.
Bradford Ferrick, 32, of Winchester and Amherst, was in possession of approximately 80 devices containing child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Ferrick has been doing a Family Medicine residency since July 2022 with Baystate Franklin Family Medicine.
On February 13, Ferrick's Winchester home was searched and approximately 61 devices were seized, including external hard drives, computers, cell phones, hidden camera systems, and SD cards.
At the time of the search, Ferrick was arrested by state authorities and released on home confinement after posting bail.
The Winchester home was searched again on February 17, and 11 additional devices were discovered.
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, "a preliminary review of some of the devices seized allegedly revealed images and videos depicting child pornography of victims who appear to be between the ages of six and 11 years old."
Four days later, on February 21, eight additional devices, including hidden cameras, were found at another home he was renting in Amherst.
"It is alleged that one of the hidden camera devices – which was designed to be worn as a bracelet – was found to contain at least two surreptitiously recorded videos of Ferrick administering medical exams," the USAO's statement said. "It is alleged that two minors who investigators believe to be patients could be heard and, at times, partially seen in the videos. Forensic review of the devices seized at both residences remains ongoing."
Local station WCVB reported that the investigators also found a hidden camera disguised as an electrical outlet in the bathroom of one of his relatives that has two children aged two and three.
Ferrick has been charged with one count of possession of child pornography, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins said in a statement about the case that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
“I 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,” said Rollins. “Members of the public with questions, concerns or any information pertaining to this doctor are strongly encouraged to contact the FBI via the provided form. As members of law enforcement, the safety of children is our highest priority. Together, in close cooperation with the medical facilities where Dr. Ferrick was employed, we will do all that we can to identify the duration and scope of his alleged offenses and proceed accordingly and expeditiously.”
The FBI also issued a statement calling for anyone with information about Ferrick to contact them.
“Today, the FBI arrested Dr. Bradford Ferrick, a resident doctor with access to children, who now stands accused of extremely troubling behavior,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “This is very much an active investigation and we urge anyone with information to contact us. Thanks to our close collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we are grateful to have been able to put a stop to Dr. Ferrick’s alleged conduct.”
The USAO explained, "this case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims."
