Possessed 7,750 images and 180 videos depicting child pornography
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Mathew S. Antignano, 32, of Bristol, was sentenced today to 5 years in federal prison for possessing and distributing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Colonel Steven G. O’Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., also ordered Antignano to serve 3 years supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Antignano pleaded guilty on April 10, 2015, to one count each of possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography.
According to information presented to the court at the time of Antignano’s guilty plea, in July 2014, a member of the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force detected an IP address being used to share numerous files of child pornography. Investigators quickly determined that the account holder and address of the IP holder belonged to Mathew Antignano.
On July 23, 2014, detectives assigned to the ICAC Task Force executed a court authorized search warrant at Antignano’s residence and seized a computer and other digital media which contained images of child pornography. Antignano was arrested a short time later at his place of employment.
A forensic examination of the computer and digital media resulted in the discovery of approximately 7,750 images and 180 video depicting child pornography primarily involving prepubescent males and females engaged in sexual acts with adults.
Antignano has been detained since his arrest.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan.
Homeland Security Investigations assisted the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in the investigation of this matter.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
