Paxton Man Arrested for Child Pornography Offense

BOSTON – A Paxton man has been arrested for allegedly reproducing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).  

Barry Ward, 32, has been charged with reproduction of CSAM. Ward was arrested on Feb. 14, 2025 and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester, was ordered detained pending a further hearing scheduled for 2 p.m. today.  

According to the charging document in October 2024, Ward was identified as a member in a Kik Messenger group used for sharing and discussing incestuous activities to include those involving minors. In private messages with undercover law enforcement, Ward allegedly stated he had a “private group” with other users who discussed the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Ward was arrested on Feb. 14, 2025 following a search of his residence.

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

The charge of reproduction of child sexual abuse material provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 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; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Paxton Police Chief Mark Savasta made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial E. Bennett of the Worcester 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 Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s 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. 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.