A Wareham resident has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to child sexual abuse material. Brandon Bendall, 50, admitted to one count of possession and one count of receipt of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun has scheduled his sentencing for May 7, 2026.
Bendall was arrested on May 2, 2025, following a criminal complaint and was indicted by a federal grand jury the following month. According to court documents, he participated in an online chat group where members shared child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Authorities say Bendall posted at least 17 videos containing CSAM in the group.
A search of his home and cell phone led investigators to approximately 9,400 images and videos depicting CSAM, including material involving infants being sexually assaulted.
The offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences of five years in prison and could result in up to 20 years behind bars. In addition, supervised release terms range from five years to life, with potential fines reaching $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by the judge according to federal guidelines.
“United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Wareham, Marion and East Bridgewater Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.”
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative launched in May 2006 that brings together federal, state, and local resources to address child exploitation crimes nationwide through investigation and prosecution efforts as well as victim identification and rescue operations. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.