Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
A former science teacher from Boston has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly coercing an underage female into engaging in sexual conversations online and requesting child sexual abuse material (CSAM). John Magee Gavin, 35, of Brookline, faces charges including coercion and enticement of a minor, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. He is currently in state custody on related charges and is scheduled to appear in federal court on July 21.
Court documents reveal that Gavin was identified as the owner of a Discord account used to message at least 20 underage females across various states and countries. He allegedly engaged in sexual conversations with these minors and requested explicit images, despite knowing their ages. A forensic review found approximately 147 files depicting CSAM on his iPhone.
Further analysis showed Gavin's alleged involvement in inappropriate online activities with minors while employed as a teacher. The indictment includes allegations of expressing sexual interest in students at Josiah Quincy Upper School.
The charge of coercion and enticement carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years up to life imprisonment. Receipt of child pornography could result in five to 20 years, while possession could lead to up to 20 years. Sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the indictment alongside Ted E. Docks from the FBI Boston Division. The case received assistance from local law enforcement agencies and is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm under Project Safe Childhood—a DOJ initiative targeting child exploitation.
Gavin remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
