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Cranston Man Charged with Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography
A Cranston man has been charged with possession and distribution of child pornography, following a string of violent and disturbing incidents that led to his initial arrest on state charges.
According to court documents, Robert E. Soares, 38, was arrested and charged by Cranston Police on May 27, 2018, after he allegedly forcibly confined and kidnapped his girlfriend, exposed himself to others, and engaged in fighting and violent behavior. His girlfriend had called the police when Soares allegedly refused to allow her to leave the apartment.
But that was not the end of it. A subsequent investigation by Cranston Police determined that in the weeks leading up to his arrest, Soares allegedly persuaded a 14-year-old girl to allow him to take several photographs and a video of her dressed only in her underwear. Additionally, a court-authorized search of Soares’ cell phone resulted in the discovery of a series of messages sent and received by Soares allegedly discussing photographs depicting child pornography that had been sent and received.
The case took a surprising turn when a mysterious individual contacted Soares’ girlfriend, claiming to have received disturbing photographs from Soares. An investigation by Cranston Police determined that these photographs were indeed child pornography, leading to Soares’ new federal charges.
Soares made an initial appearance in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with possessing child pornography and distribution of child pornography. United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch, Cranston Police Chief Colonel Michael J. Winquist, and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh announced the news.
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. Assistant United States Attorney Denise M. Barton is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Cranston Police Department, with the assistance of members of the Homeland Security Investigations Task Force and Warwick Police Department.
The case is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting our communities from predators like Soares. The Cranston Police Department and federal authorities are to be commended for their tireless efforts in bringing this case to light.
Soares is being held without bail as the case continues to unfold. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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