Chicopee Man Arrested for Child Pornography Offense

BOSTON - A Chicopee man was arrested on Nov. 12, 2025 for allegedly distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Thomas Selby, 46, of Chicopee, Mass., was charged by criminal complaint with one count of distribution of child pornography. Selby was arrested on Nov. 12, 2025 and made an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield later that day. He was subsequently released on conditions following a detention hearing held on Nov. 14, 2025.

According to the charging documents, in early 2024, Selby was identified as an active member of a group dedicated to CSAM on an internet-based messaging and social-media application. On Nov. 12, 2025, searches of Selby's person and residence allegedly resulted in the recovery of various electronic devices - including smart phones. It is alleged that an initial forensic examination of Selby's phone revealed multiple files consistent with CSAM and his active participation in multiple groups dedicated to the viewing and sharing of CSAM. Further review of Selby's devices remains on-going.

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

The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least 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 and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations New England made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Barnico, Jr. of the Springfield 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.