Joshua S. Levy, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts
A Paxton resident, Barry Ward, 32, has been charged with the reproduction of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Ward was apprehended on February 14, 2025, and made an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester. He remains detained pending a further hearing scheduled for today at 2 p.m.
The charges stem from activities dating back to October 2024. According to court documents, Ward was identified as a member of a Kik Messenger group that engaged in sharing and discussing incestuous activities involving minors. In communications with undercover law enforcement officers, Ward allegedly mentioned having a "private group" where users discussed the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. His arrest followed a search conducted at his residence.
The public is encouraged to reach out with any information regarding this case by calling 617-748-3274.
If convicted, the charge of reproducing CSAM carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment and could extend up to 20 years. Additionally, it includes at least five years and potentially up to a lifetime of supervised release and fines reaching $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the arrest along with Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Boston Division, and Paxton Police Chief Mark Savasta. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial E. Bennett from the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to address child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The project aims to coordinate efforts among federal, state, and local agencies to apprehend offenders and rescue victims.
It is important to note that all details in charging documents are allegations until proven otherwise in court.
