A Brookline man and former youth swim coach has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after prosecutors said he used Snapchat to recruit and entice a 15-year-old to produce child pornography. U.S. District Judge Myong J. Joun also ordered five years of supervised release. The sentence follows a guilty plea in October 2025 and an investigation that began with federal charges filed in January 2025.
Federal Sentence and Court Ruling
Scott Cunha, 26, received the 15-year prison term and five years of supervised release on Thursday, U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley said in a statement, according to Boston 25 News. Prosecutors told the court that Cunha used Snapchat to recruit a 15-year-old and had communicated with other minors in several states.
How the Case Reached Federal Court
Federal agents arrested Cunha in January 2025 and charged him with production of child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The complaint says he communicated over Snapchat with children as young as 10 and offered money in exchange for explicit photos and in-person meetings, and it alleges he met with at least one victim. The charging documents note that the offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and at least five years of supervised release.
Brookline Ties and Local Reaction
Town payroll records and local reporting show Cunha worked for the Town of Brookline’s recreation department as a lifeguard and youth swim coach from September 2019 through July 2022, which has prompted concern among parents. The town told reporters it had "no evidence at this time that the circumstances of this case are related to his employment," CBS Boston reported. Neighbors recalled seeing federal agents at Cunha’s home during the arrest.
Plea and Scope of the Case
Cunha pleaded guilty in October 2025 to one count of sexual exploitation of children, according to Boston 25 News. Prosecutors told the court he had communicated with minors in Massachusetts and across other states, including Connecticut, New Jersey, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri and Alabama, Boston 25 reported. Court records show the case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Myong J. Joun.
Where Victims Can Get Help
Anyone who believes they may have been victimized in this matter is urged to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office tip line at 617-748-3274 and Brookline Police at 617-730-2222, per the U.S. Attorney’s Office. National resources include the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline (1-800-THE-LOST) and the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-422-4453), which provide 24/7 reporting and support. NCMEC and Childhelp also offer take-down and counseling services.
Brookline officials said they will continue cooperating with federal authorities as investigators work to identify and support victims. For town residents, the case has renewed conversations about online safety and how closely teens’ social apps should be monitored.
