Jonathan Breslin, Child Pornography Charges, Rhode Island 2017

Jonathan Breslin, a 33-year-old resident of Westerly, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty to a string of child pornography charges in a U.S. District Court in Providence. Breslin admitted to receiving, possessing and distributing child pornography, as well as transferring obscene material to a minor.

According to court documents, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) learned from a Canadian law enforcement agency of 78 unique users who shared and/or communicated about child pornography on a social media application. Through further investigation, HSI identified one of the IP addresses as belonging to Jonathan Breslin. The investigation into Breslin’s online activities revealed a series of sexually explicit discussions about creating, distributing and viewing child pornography.

As part of the investigation, a HSI agent posing as an individual interested in child pornography engaged Breslin in a series of communications. During the exchanges with the agent, Breslin discussed viewing, possessing and attempting to produce child pornography.

The investigation also determined that Breslin transferred obscene material online to a person under the age of 16 and attempted to entice a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity.

On August 9, 2017, a court-authorized search of Breslin’s residence by agents from HSI, the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and members of the Westerly and Warwick Police Departments resulted in the seizure of a computer, a digital media storage device and cell phone all containing child pornography. A forensic audit of the electronic equipment revealed at least 275 images and 46 videos containing child pornography.

Breslin, who has been detained in federal custody since his arrest on August 9, 2017, is scheduled to be sentenced on January 10, 2019. Possession of child pornography and transfer of obscene material to a minor are punishable by statutory penalties of up to 10 years in federal prison. Receipt and distribution of child pornography are punishable by statutory penalties of 5-20 years in federal prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams. The Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is comprised of law enforcement personnel from the Rhode Island State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Warwick, Cranston, East Providence, Newport, Pawtucket, North Kingstown, Bristol, and Woonsocket Police Departments.

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