Pawtucket Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

PROVIDENCE - A Pawtucket man who admitted to possessing hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) was sentenced today in federal court in Rhode Island.

William Dickson, 65, of Pawtucket, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose to 42 months in federal prison, followed by 8 years of supervised release. Dickson previously pleaded guilty on March 27, 2026.

"The possession and exchange of child sexual abuse material fuels the continued exploitation of vulnerable children," said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. "Those who engage in this conduct should be aware that their actions carry serious consequences, and this office remains committed to holding them accountable under federal law."

"Images of children being sexually abused are a snapshot of the horrific ongoing reality for many of these kids, and those who collect this material drive the demand for it, which means more children will be exploited," said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Boston Division. "It's cases like this that drive the FBI and our partners, as we work to protect vulnerable children from further harm."

According to court documents, investigators identified a peer-to-peer file-sharing account used by Dickson to download and share CSAM. On April 10, 2024, federal agents executed search warrants at Dickson's residence, his person, and vehicle, seizing multiple electronic devices. A forensic review revealed over 800 images and videos depicting CSAM.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet and to rescue victims.