PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island — A Pawtucket man who admitted possessing hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) was sentenced on Tuesday, October 27, 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 eight years of supervised release, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island announced. Dickson had previously pleaded guilty on March 27, 2026.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island

42 monthsFederal prison sentence imposed on William Dickson, 65, of Pawtucket
8 yearsSupervised release to follow the prison term
800+Images and videos of child sexual abuse material found on seized devices, per court documents
Apr 10, 2024Date federal agents executed search warrants at Dickson’s home, person and vehicle

According to court documents cited by the Justice Department, investigators identified a peer-to-peer file-sharing account used by Dickson to download and share the material. On April 10, 2024, federal agents executed search warrants at Dickson’s residence, on his person and on his vehicle, seizing multiple electronic devices. A forensic review of the devices revealed over 800 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material, prosecutors said. No victim is identified in the announcement, and none is named in this report.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island

“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.” Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, 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. It’s cases like this that drive the FBI and our partners, as we work to protect vulnerable children from further harm.”

Source: U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White and investigated by the FBI, whose Boston Division had announced Dickson’s guilty plea earlier this year. The Justice Department said the case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse by coordinating federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute offenders and to identify and rescue victims.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island