Pawtucket Man Gets 42 Months In Prison For Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material: Feds

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Pawtucket man who admitted to possessing hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse material was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, according to U.S. Attorney's Office.

William Dickson, 65, had pleaded guilty in March.

"The possession and exchange of child sexual abuse material fuels the continued exploitation of vulnerable children,” First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda said in a media release.

“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,” Calenda said.

“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,” Ted E. Docks, the special agent in charge of the FBI's Boston Division said in the release.

“It’s cases like this that drive the FBI and our partners, as we work to protect vulnerable children from further harm,” Docks said.

"According to court documents, investigators identified a peer‑to‑peer file‑sharing account used by Dickson to download and share CSAM," the release said. "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."

See also:

• Vermont Man Charged With 2020 Rhode Island Bank Robbery Nabbed: Cops
• Man Stabbed In Back 4 Times: Providence Police
• Nigerian Charged With Money Laundering Nabbed At Boston Logan Airport: Feds
• Study Analyzed Online Romance Scams By State — See Where Rhode Island Ranks
• Newport Man Charged With Molesting Teen On Flight From Florida Pleads To Simple Assault