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Central Falls Man Detained on Child Pornography Charges
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Central Falls man has been detained on federal child pornography charges, following an investigation by the Central Falls Police Department. Jose A. Cortes, a 38-year-old resident of Central Falls, has been charged with production and possession of child pornography.
Cortes was ordered detained by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond on Thursday, following his initial appearance in federal court. According to information presented to the court, the investigation revealed that Cortes allegedly produced sexually explicit photographs of a toddler in various stages of undress, involved in a sex act, and a lascivious display of the toddler’s genitals.
The investigation into Cortes’ alleged criminal activity began in November 2017, after the toddler’s mother reported to police that she had become aware of the photos from a friend of Cortes. Central Falls Detectives executed five court-authorized search warrants and seized several electronic devices and digital storage devices during the investigation. Preliminary forensic examination of some of the devices revealed more than a thousand images and videos of child pornography.
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. Cortes’ arrest and detention are announced by United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch, Central Falls Police Chief Colonel James J. Mendonca, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, and Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Michael S. Shea.
This Project Safe Childhood case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton. United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch acknowledges and thanks the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General for their assistance in the prosecution of this matter.
In light of the allegations, Cortes remains detained. The defendant’s exact sentence or outcome is yet to be determined. Cortes has been charged with production and possession of child pornography, in violation of federal law.
Jose A. Cortes, a.k.a. “Jose Cortez,” 38, of Central Falls, has been charged. The Central Falls Police Department, with the assistance of the Rhode Island State Police, led the investigation into Cortes’ alleged criminal activity. The investigation began in November 2017 and resulted in the seizure of several electronic devices and digital storage devices.
Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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