East Providence Man Detained on Federal Charges of Manufacturing, Distributing, and Possessing Child Pornography
| U.S. Attorney’s Office February 16, 2012 |
PROVIDENCE, RI—David Crisostomi, 36, of East Providence, R.I., was ordered detained by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond today on federal charges of manufacturing, possessing, and distributing child pornography, it was announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Colonel Steven G. O’Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police; and Richard DesLauriers, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Field Office.
Crisostomi was arrested at his East Providence residence earlier today by law enforcement agents from the FBI and Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force as they executed a federal search warrant issued by the U.S. District Court in Providence.
According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint filed with the court, an FBI investigation revealed that an individual at Crisostomi’s residence was allegedly sharing images of child pornography over the Internet. While executing a federal search warrant at Crisostomi’s residence, FBI and ICAC Task Force agents seized numerous images and videos allegedly depicting child pornography, as well as computers and other electronic devices.
According to the affidavit, the defendant allegedly admitted to law enforcement agents his alleged participation in recording, downloading and sharing child pornography.
Crisostomi was ordered detained during an initial appearance in U.S. District Court on a criminal complaint charging him with one count each of using a minor to produce child pornography; possessing child pornography; and distributing child pornography.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Crisostomi faces a minimum statutory sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and up to 30 years’ imprisonment for using a minor to produce child pornography; a minimum statutory sentence of five years’ imprisonment and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for distribution of child pornography; and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for possessing child pornography.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker.