Thomas Selby, Child Pornography, Massachusetts 2025

BOSTON – In a shocking revelation, a Chicopee man has been taken into custody for allegedly distributing child sexual abuse material.

A 46-year-old Thomas Selby, a resident of Chicopee, Mass., was charged by criminal complaint with one count of distribution of child pornography on Nov. 12, 2025. The arrest was made after a thorough investigation revealed his involvement in a group dedicated to CSAM on an internet-based messaging and social-media application.

According to the charging documents, in early 2024, Selby was identified as an active member of the group. On the day of his arrest, Nov. 12, 2025, searches of Selby's person and residence allegedly resulted in the recovery of various electronic devices – including smart phones. An initial forensic examination of Selby's phone revealed multiple files consistent with CSAM and his active participation in multiple groups dedicated to the viewing and sharing of CSAM.

Thomas Selby made an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield later that day and was subsequently released on conditions following a detention hearing held on Nov. 14, 2025. Further review of Selby's devices remains ongoing, and members of the public who have questions, concerns, or information regarding this case are encouraged to call 617-748-3274 or contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.

The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations New England made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Barnico, Jr. of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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

Defendant: Thomas Selby, 46, of Chicopee, Mass.

Criminal Charges: Distribution of child pornography.

City and State: Chicopee, Massachusetts.

Arrest Date: Nov. 12, 2025.

Sentence: Currently released on conditions, awaiting trial.

Dollar Amount: $250,000 fine.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/chicopee-man-arrested-child-pornography-offense