EAST BRIDGEWATER — Chief Michael Jenkins reports that following an investigation of a child exploitation case, the East Bridgewater Police Department arrested a Brockton man.
In September, East Bridgewater Police Detective Cecelia Cacciatore initiated an investigation following a report of alleged inappropriate contact between a juvenile from East Bridgewater and an adult male.
The investigation revealed that the two met and communicated through social media applications. The juvenile subsequently met with the adult male in person on multiple occasions, during which the juvenile was sexually assaulted.
The suspect was identified as 55-year-old Derek Gaughan of Brockton, who is a Level 3 sex offender.
On Thursday, October 8th, Detective Cacciatore obtained an arrest warrant for Gaughan, and a search warrant for his residence. Both warrants were executed that same day, and Gaughan was arrested without incident.
Gaughan has been charged with Enticement of a Minor and Electronic Enticement of a Minor for Commercial Sexual Activity.
Because the alleged sexual assaults occurred within Brockton, the Brockton Police Department pursued additional charges related to those allegations.
Gaughan was arraigned in Brockton District Court on October 9th, where bail was set at $100,000.
The East Bridgewater Police Department encourages parents, caregivers, and community members to remain informed about the dangers of online exploitation and to report concerns involving the safety and well-being of children.
For information and resources regarding Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), child human trafficking, and sex trafficking, visit the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Children’s Advocacy Center website.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
