A Ferndale man is facing federal charges after authorities say he traded nearly 20 videos of child pornography and received at least two in online messages over several months. Court records unsealed Feb. 25 identify the suspect as Brian Allen Rose and describe exchanges investigators say took place between February and September 2025. Prosecutors have charged him with distribution, possession, and receipt of child pornography.
According to ClickOnDetroit, a federal criminal complaint unsealed Feb. 25 says FBI Detroit agents discovered the chats while executing a September 2025 search warrant at the home of a previously identified distributor. The complaint alleges Rose used a mobile messaging app to trade material with that account from February through September 2025, receiving at least two abusive videos on Feb. 15 and sending several others on later dates. Agents reportedly tied the online account to a Ferndale phone number and to Rose’s Michigan driver’s license records.
How investigators say the exchange unfolded
The complaint lays out chat excerpts from Jan. 12, 2025, in which Rose - using the display name "DJ" - allegedly told the other user he had sexually assaulted a 16-year-old and described himself as "a perv," the documents state. When Rose allegedly asked, "How young you looking for," the other account replied, "10-16," and Rose is said to have written, "Nice, I like any young," before the pair arranged to trade videos, according to ClickOnDetroit.
Charges and what they carry
Rose is charged under federal statutes that criminalize distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography, crimes that carry significant penalties if proven. Under federal law, convictions for knowing receipt or distribution can carry a statutory prison term of not less than five years and up to 20 years for a first offense, with higher mandatory minimums for certain repeat offenders, per the Legal Information Institute.
The criminal complaint was unsealed Feb. 25, and the matter remains under federal investigation as prosecutors consider further action. Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI Detroit Field Office at (313) 965-2323 or visit the FBI page to submit a tip. Rose is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
