Master Sergeant at Mass. National Guard accused of child pornography

A Massachusetts Air National Guard master sergeant stationed on Cape Cod allegedly possessed hundreds of child pornographic images and videos and distributed more than 70 of them through a messaging application, federal officials announced Friday.

Nicholas Wells, 43, was arrested Thursday and appeared in U.S. District Court in Boston on charges of possession and distribution of child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy’s office said. Wells agreed to be held in custody voluntarily and without prejudice pending trial. Not guilty pleas were entered on his behalf, The Boston Sphere reported.

Prosecutors allege Wells participated in online discussions in which he expressed an interest in minors and shared videos depicting child pornography. Following search warrants for Wells’ home and messaging application, FBI agents reportedly found more than 300 images and 100 videos of child pornography on Wells’ phone. Prosecutors say Wells allegedly distributed more than 70 videos.

If convicted, Wells faces 20 years in prison for possession of child pornography and 20 years for distributing child pornography.

Wells was assigned to the 102nd Security Forces at Otis Air National Base in Sandwich. Following the FBI search, Wells was ordered off base and had his security clearance revoked.

The Massachusetts National Guard released a statement saying: “The charges against Nicholas Wells are very serious. Criminal activity is incompatible with our values ​​as an organization and will not be tolerated within our ranks. These alleged crimes are unrelated to his military service and as such the civilian criminal justice system has jurisdiction.”

Levy’s office said the case had been filed Safe Youth Projecta nationwide initiative of the Ministry of Justice to end the sexual exploitation and abuse of children.