BOSTON — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Massachusetts), published as received.

BOSTON – A Plymouth man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Boston for possessing and distributing child pornography.

Brendan R. Kessler, 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 63 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment fee.  In March 2015, he pleaded guilty to distribution and possession of child pornography.  

On Sept. 2, 2014, after law enforcement became aware that Kessler had posted child pornography to a public file sharing program known as Lime Wire, federal agents executed a search warrant on Kessler’s residence in Plymouth and seized a computer and various digital storage devices containing multiple images and videos of child pornography.  Federal agents also located multiple boxes of fireworks, detonator cords, remote firing switches, a hand-written journal titled “Mass Murder Book,” and lists of chemicals needed to create explosive powder.  Additionally, in an upstairs bedroom, agents located 14 firearms (3 semi-automatic pistols, 3 shotguns, and 8 rifles) and multiple boxes of ammunition.  Kessler was arrested following the execution of the search warrant and has been held in federal custody since.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Richard D. McKeon, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Plymouth Police Chief Michael E. Botieri, made the announcement today.  The case is being prosecuted by Kenneth G. Shine of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit.

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood.  In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse.  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 better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.      

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