PROVIDENCE, RI - Two women have made initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Providence on child pornography charges.
Samantha York, 29, of Warwick and Pawtucket, has been ordered detained in federal custody on a criminal complaint charging her with production and distribution of child pornography. York made an initial appearance before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond on November 9, 2017, charged with one count each of production of child pornography and distribution of child pornography.
According to information presented to the Court, it is alleged that in March 2014, York produced a video depicting child pornography involving a female toddler. It is alleged that the video was distributed to at least two other individuals.
In a separate federal criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court, Karissa A. Cave, 21, of Coventry and Newport, is charged with one count each of receiving child pornography and possession of child pornography. Cave was released on $10,000 unsecured bond following an initial appearance before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond on November 9, 2017.
According to information presented to the Court, it is alleged that Cave received and possessed child pornography involving a female toddler allegedly produced and distributed by Samantha York.
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.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch, Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, Michael S. Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations for New England, and Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Oates announce the filing of federal criminal complaints in these matters.
These matters continue to be investigated by the the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and the Woonsocket Police Department.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch acknowledges and thanks the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General for their ongoing assistance investigating these matters.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
