Former Mass. Guardsman Sentenced to Federal Prison for CSAM

BOSTON (WBSM) – A former Massachusetts National Guardsman who was stationed in Sandwich has been sentenced to federal prison for possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.

U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, made the joint announcement in a press release on Thursday.

They said Nicholas Wells, 45, a former Master Sergeant with the 102nd Security Forces Squadron of the Massachusetts National Guard stationed in Sandwich, was sentenced to 78 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

Wells pleaded guilty to possession and distribution of child pornography in September 2025. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2024.

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Details of the Case and Seized Evidence

According to the release, Wells used a messaging application to discuss his interest in minors and used them to distribute child pornography videos. Over 300 such images and 100 videos were found on his phone. He had distributed over 70 child porn videos, some of which involved infants.

Local and Federal Law Enforcement Collaboration

The release also credited the valuable assistance provided by Massachusetts State Police, Barnstable Police, and Sandwich Police in the investigation and arrest of Wells.

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Gallery Credit: Kate Robinson