A Wareham man, Brandon Bendall, 49, has been indicted on charges related to child pornography. The indictment includes one count of possession and one count of receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Bendall was arrested following a criminal complaint filed on May 2, 2028.
Court documents allege that Bendall participated in an online chat group where members exchanged CSAM. A search of his residence and cell phone reportedly uncovered approximately 9,400 images and videos depicting such material, including images involving infants.
The charges against Bendall carry potential sentences ranging from five to 20 years in prison for each charge. Additionally, the court may impose supervised release lasting from five years to life and fines up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley alongside Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. Support for the investigation came from Massachusetts State Police as well as Wareham, Marion, and East Bridgewater Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin is handling the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative started in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program coordinates efforts among federal, state, and local agencies to apprehend offenders and assist victims.
It is important to note that the details in the charging documents are allegations at this stage. The defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
