A Massachusetts Air National Guard master sergeant stationed on Cape Cod allegedly possessed hundreds of images and videos of child pornography and shared more than 70 of them through a messaging app, federal officials said Friday.

Nicholas Wells, 43, was arrested Thursday and appeared in U.S. District Court in Boston on charges of possession and distribution of child pornography, according to U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy’s office. Wells agreed to voluntary detention pending trial without prejudice. Not guilty pleas were entered on his behalf, Boston Globe reported.

Prosecutors say Wells participated in online chats where he expressed interest in minors and shared videos depicting child pornography. Following search warrants for Wells’ home and messaging app, FBI agents allegedly found more than 300 images and 100 videos depicting child pornography on Wells’ phone. Prosecutors say Wells allegedly shared more than 70 videos.

If convicted, Wells faces up to 20 years in prison for the possession of child pornography charge and 20 years for the distribution of child pornography.

Wells was assigned to the 102nd Security Forces at Otis Air Force Base in Sandwich. Following FBI searches, Wells was ordered off base and had his security clearance revoked.

The Massachusetts National Guard issued a statement saying, “The allegations against Nicholas Wells are very serious. Criminal activity is not compatible with our values ​​as an organization and will not be tolerated within our ranks. These alleged crimes are separate from his military service and, as such, the civilian criminal justice system has jurisdiction.”

Levy’s office said the case was brought as part of Safe Childhood Projecta nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice to end the sexual exploitation and abuse of children.