A Londonderry man has been arrested and charged in federal court in connection with what authorities describe as a years-long cyber-stalking campaign targeting a Massachusetts woman, involving harassment, impersonation, and the distribution of explicit images.
Brad Cerullo, 46, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of cyber-stalking. He was arrested Wednesday, March 25, and appeared in federal court in Boston, where he was ordered detained pending a hearing last week.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, Cerullo is accused of using social media platforms, text messages, and other online tools to harass and intimidate the victim over an extended period. Authorities allege that his actions included posting sexually explicit content, impersonating the victim online, and encouraging others to engage in harmful and abusive behavior toward her.
Federal investigators say the alleged conduct spanned several years, with evidence indicating the campaign began as early as 2020 and continued into 2025. During that time, the victim reportedly received dozens of disturbing messages from unknown individuals, many referencing explicit images and personal information that had been shared online without her consent.
Charging documents allege that Cerullo created multiple fake social media accounts posing as the victim. These accounts allegedly included personal details such as her home address, phone number, email, workplace, and educational background. Investigators say the accounts were used to post fabricated and sexually explicit content, as well as messages designed to humiliate and exploit the victim.
Authorities further allege that Cerullo obtained and distributed more than 300 images of the victim, including sexually explicit photos and videos that were believed to have been taken from a secure device and never intended for public viewing.
In addition to posting the material, Cerullo is accused of encouraging others online to save, share, and repost the images, as well as contact the victim directly. Some messages allegedly suggested or promoted sexual violence, according to investigators.
The impact on the victim was significant, according to court documents.
Authorities say she experienced ongoing emotional distress and took extensive measures to protect her privacy and safety, including changing her routines and limiting the personal information she shared publicly.
She also reportedly incurred personal expenses to investigate the source of the harassment.
Investigators were able to link the alleged activity to Cerullo through a review of digital records, including accounts associated with major technology companies. According to the affidavit, overlapping subscriber information such as email addresses, phone numbers, and IP data connected the accounts used in the alleged scheme to Cerullo.
A search of accounts allegedly associated with Cerullo revealed hundreds of images of the victim, including explicit material, as well as evidence that some of the content had been shared with others.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the FBI’s Boston Division, as well as local police departments in Haverhill, Andover, and Londonderry.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and FBI Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks announced the charges, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm prosecuting the case.
Cerullo faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted. Federal officials emphasized that the charge is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.