Plymouth Man Indicted On Child Pornography Charges

Boston – A Plymouth man was indicted yesterday with distribution and possession of child pornography.

Brendan R. Kessler, 25, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with his distribution of child pornography, discovered by undercover agents. According to an affidavit filed in support of a previously issued complaint, on May 16, 2014, law enforcement discovered that Kessler was utilizing a public file sharing program to post what appeared to be child pornography. On Sept. 2, 2014, a search warrant was executed at Kessler’s Plymouth residence and a computer, various digital devices, hard drives, and other media storage devices were seized and determined to contain multiple images and videos of child pornography. Additionally, 14 unsecured firearms (many of them loaded), various caliber ammunition, boxes of fireworks, detonator cords, remote firing switches, and hand written journals were observed. Kessler was arrested following the execution of the search warrant and is currently held in federal custody.

The charge of distribution of child pornography provides a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a minimum mandatory term of five years, and a lifetime of supervised release. The charge of possession of child pornography provides a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and a lifetime of supervised release. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Timothy P. Alben, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Plymouth Police Chief Michael E. Botieri, made the announcement. The case is being prosecuted by Kenneth G. Shine of Ortiz’s Major Crime Unit.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.