Man sentenced to prison for sexually exploiting a Monson child

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MONSON, Mass. (WWLP) – A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to prison for sexually exploiting a child in Monson.

Officers Bedard and Wilk of the Monson Police Department assisted in the investigation into the arrest of the 44-year-old David Tweed from Kulpmont, Pennsylvania. The department reminds parents and guardians of the importance of monitoring their children’s online activities.

According to the Department of Justice in Boston, between September 2021 and December 2021, Tweed sexually exploited a 12- to 13-year-old girl he met online. He repeatedly persuaded the victim to send sexual images and videos of herself and to perform lewd acts in video calls.

Tweed drove from Pennsylvania to locations in New England, where he met with and sexually assaulted the victim on more than one occasion. He was arrested for sexual exploitation of a child and incarcerated after an initial appearance in the Middle District of Pennsylvania in August 2022.

Last Wednesday, Tweed was sentenced to 30 years in prison and lifetime probation in federal court in Springfield.

“David Tweed’s conduct was appalling and deserves the harsh sentence the court imposed. Mr. Tweed preyed on this very young and vulnerable girl, tied her up, and then repeatedly sexually abused and exploited her. His criminal and depraved behavior has finally ended, and his victim is finally free from his abuse. I admire the victim’s courage and her family’s support and dedication in seeing this case through,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate, prosecute, and hold sex offenders like Mr. Tweed accountable.”

“David Tweed preyed on a child, first exploiting him online and then abusing him in person. This is a horrific example of how online threats can become real dangers,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “HSI works around the clock to protect children online by bringing offenders like Tweed to justice.”