David A. Skally Admits to Possessing Child Pornography

David A. Skally, 57, of Providence, admitted in federal court Tuesday to possessing and accessing child pornography, including graphic videos and images of prepubescent girls, marking the end of a years-long investigation by federal and state authorities.

Skally pleaded guilty to one count of possession and access with intent to view child pornography, a charge brought after Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Rhode Island State Police uncovered digital evidence tied directly to his home. The case was announced by U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha, HSI Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. Etre, and Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.

The investigation began in September 2015 when HSI’s Child Exploitation Unit joined a nationwide probe targeting users of a private internet bulletin board linked to a file-sharing site hosting child sexual abuse material. The site allowed members to download illicit content through exclusive access links, creating a hidden network of predators across the U.S. and abroad.

In early 2016, federal courts ordered the file-sharing platform to turn over user data tied to specific child pornography files. Records revealed that downloads had been made using an IP address registered to Skally’s Providence residence. That evidence led to a court-authorized search of his home in June 2016, conducted by HSI and the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

During the search, agents seized Skally’s computers and later discovered approximately 284 videos and 418 images of child pornography during forensic analysis. The material included sexually explicit depictions of young girls, some prepubescent, stored and accessed using his personal devices.

Skally was released to home confinement following his guilty plea and is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief Judge William E. Smith on March 9, 2017. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams. Anyone with information about child exploitation is urged to contact HSI or law enforcement immediately.