BOSTON – In a shocking turn of events, Warren Messeck, a 75-year-old Agawam man, has been charged with possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Messeck was charged by criminal complaint with one count of possession of child pornography. He made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson in Springfield on [undisclosed date].
The allegations against Messeck stem from a 2021 investigation into his use of an internet-based peer-to-peer network, where he allegedly downloaded CSAM. A subsequent search of his residence resulted in the recovery of over 40 electronic devices, including a laptop, hard drives, and other electronic storage devices.
A forensic examination allegedly revealed over 10,000 files depicting CSAM on six of the seized devices. This alarming discovery has left law enforcement and experts stunned.
The charge of possession of child pornography carries a sentence of at least 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to life 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 that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and James Crowley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Agawam Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Merck 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 government. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.
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.
Related Federal Cases
- Bryan C. Mileikis, Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography, Massachusetts 2020 · Massachusetts
- David St. Jacques, Child Pornography Possession, Massachusetts 2023 · Massachusetts
- David St. Jacques, Possession of Child Pornography, Massachusetts 2021 · Massachusetts
- Thomas Stemmer, Child Pornography Receipt and Possession, Massachusetts 2024 · Massachusetts
- Bryan Horgan, Child Pornography Possession, Massachusetts 2023 · Massachusetts
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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