EAST BRIDGEWATER — On Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, East Bridgewater police arrested a Brockton man following an investigation into a child exploitation case.
According to East Bridgewater Police Chief Michael Jenkins, Detective Cecelia Cacciatore began investigating in September after receiving a report of alleged inappropriate contact between a juvenile from East Bridgewater and an adult man.
“The investigation revealed that the two met and communicated through social media applications,” Chief Jenkins said. “The juvenile subsequently met with the adult male in person on multiple occasions, during which the juvenile was sexually assaulted.”
Police identified the suspect as Derek Gaughan, 55, of Brockton, a Level 3 sex offender.
On Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, Detective Cacciatore obtained an arrest warrant for Gaughan and a search warrant for his residence. Both warrants were executed the day they were obtained and Gaughan was arrested without incident.
Derek Gaughan, 55, of Brockton, was charged with:
- Enticement of a Minor
- Electronic Enticement of a Minor for Commercial Sexual Activity
Chief Jenkins said the Brockton Police Department pursued additional charges because the alleged sexual assaults occurred in their jurisdiction.
Gaughan was arraigned in Brockton District Court on Oct. 9, 2026, where his bail was set at $100,000.
“We encourage parents, caregivers, and community members to remain informed about the dangers of online exploitation and to report concerns involving the safety and well-being of children,” Chief Jenkins said.
For more information on the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), child trafficking and sex trafficking, visit the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Children’s Advocacy Center website.
