Electronically Disseminating Indecent Material to a Minor in Johnston Rhode Island

Charges

• Electronically Disseminating Indecent Material to a Minor, in violation of R.I.G.L. § 11-9-1.5;
• Indecent Solicitation of a Child, in violation of R.I.G.L. § 11-37-8.8; and
• Possession of Child Pornography, in violation of R.I.G.L. § 11-9-1.3(a)(4)

Court Information

Johnston, Rhode Island

Rhode Island Superior Court (Providence County)

Case Overview

The Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit received a request for investigative assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Special Investigations Unit (HSI). Federal authorities were investigating an incident of solicitation of a child located in Ohio, from a suspect in Rhode Island. An adult man from Rhode Island was connected with a minor female via the internet and had ongoing inappropriate communications with her via Snapchat. A police interview of the minor female revealed that the man was aware of the minor’s age, and thereafter, solicited from her nude photos, and both sent images to her of his genitalia. Members of the Rhode Island State Police executed a search warrant of the man’s home, and seized his cellphone, which contained evidence of his conduct. He was subsequently arrested and charged with Electronically Disseminating Indecent Material to a Minor, Indecent Solicitation of a Child and Possess Child Pornography. The man hired Rhode Island Sex Crimes Defense Attorney, John L. Calcagni III, to represent him in this matter.

After appearing on the man’s behalf for multiple pretrial conferences, Attorney Calcagni ultimately negotiated a plea deal that called for the man’s acceptance of responsibility to Electronically Disseminating Indecent Material to a Minor in exchange for a non-jail sentence. The remaining counts against him were dismissed.

Case Result

Suspended Sentence with Probation.