Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
A Brookline resident, William Kahn, 28, has been arrested and charged with attempted coercion and enticement, as well as attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. The arrest follows allegations that Kahn engaged in online conversations between June and August 2025 with an undercover agent who was posing as a 14-year-old girl.
According to court documents, Kahn is accused of participating in sexually explicit discussions with the purported minor, sending a photograph of adult genitalia, and discussing the possibility of meeting in person.
Kahn made his initial appearance in federal court and is being held pending a detention hearing scheduled for December 17, 2025.
The charge of attempted coercion and enticement carries a potential sentence of up to ten years in prison, at least five years and up to lifetime supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge related to the attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor also provides for up to ten years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge according to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley stated: "United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuabe assistance was provided by the Brookline, Boston and Arlington Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case."
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 aimed at protecting children from exploitation and abuse by coordinating efforts among federal, state, and local agencies. More information about this program can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
It should be noted that all details contained within charging documents are allegations; Kahn is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
