Massachusetts State Police Cyber Crimes Unit Arrests Milford Man on Child Exploitation Charges Within Hours of Receiving CyberTip

On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, the Massachusetts State Police Cyber Crimes Unit (CCU) responded to an escalated CyberTip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding the upload of suspected child sexual abuse material (CSAM) believed to be newly created. A preliminary investigation quickly identified the account as belonging to Manuel Dafonte, 37, of Milford.

Because investigators believed the material may have depicted the recent abuse of a child, they immediately launched an urgent investigation to identify and protect any potential victim. CCU investigators obtained an emergency disclosure from the online service provider, which identified the IP address associated with the uploaded material and led Troopers to Dafonte's residence in Milford.

Troopers executed a search warrant at the residence and recovered evidence linking the uploaded images to locations within the home. Through interviews and an extensive follow-up investigation, members of the CCU identified the alleged child victim. The child will be provided with resources and support to address their physical and emotional well-being.

Working with the Milford Police Department, Troopers located Dafonte near his residence. Troopers served him with the search warrant and seized the cellphone in his possession, along with two additional cellphones located in his vehicle.  Troopers interviewed Dafonte and placed him under arrest.

Manuel Dafonte is charged with:

• Possession of Child Pornography (Second Offense)

• Posing a Child in a State of Nudity

• Indecent Assault and Battery on a Child Under 14

• Photographing an Unsuspecting Person in the Nude

These charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.