West Wareham man charged with receiving and owning child pornography

A West Wareham man was charged with, and agreed to plead guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography in federal court Wednesday, Jan. 8.

Joshua Roe, 37, has been in federal custody since September of last year for the same offenses. On Sept. 6 2024, 11 electronic devices were discovered in his home and at least one device allegedly revealed images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material.

The count of receipt charge means Roe allegedly used interstate commerce such as the mail or a computer to receive the child sexual abuse material. It brings with it 5 to 20 years in prison and supervised release of 5 years to life and a $250,000 fine, if Roe is found guilty.

The possession charge means Roe allegedly had images and or videos depicting child pornography in his possession knowingly. If found guilty Roe faces up to 20 years in prison and supervised release of 5 years to life and a $250,000 fine.

The case is brought as a part of Project Safe Childhood. The project began in 2006 under the Department of Justice and is a nationwide initiative aimed at protecting children from exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney's office and the Department of Justice's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section help federal, state and local law enforcement locate and prosecute individuals exploiting children as well as help the victims.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.