Investigators seized 600 videos and more than 175,000 images of child pornography
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Mathew E. Pasetti, 35, of West Warwick, pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence today to possession and distribution of child pornography. A court authorized law enforcement search of Pasetti’s residence in December 2015, resulted in the seizure of approximately 600 videos and 175,000 images depicting child pornography, primarily involving prepubescent children.
Pasetti’s guilty plea before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography is announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Lieutenant Colonel Kevin M. Barry, Acting Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police; and Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for New England.
According to information presented to the court, in October 2015, members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force identified an Internet Protocol (IP) address that was sharing child pornography. An ICAC and HSI investigation determined that the IP address was registered to Pasetti at his West Warwick residence. A court authorized search of Pasetti’s residence on Dec. 2, 2015, by ICAC Task Force members and HSI agents resulted in the seizure a laptop computer and several digital storage devices. A forensic examination of the electronic equipment by the ICAC Task Force resulted in the discovery of videos and images depicting child pornography.
Pasetti, who is detained in federal custody, is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell on Jan. 17, 2017.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
