Neil Streich, Importation of Obscene Material, Rhode Island 2020

A Despicable Act of Child Exploitation

A former North Kingstown man, Neil Streich, 60, has been sentenced to five years of federal probation for his egregious crime of transferring obscene material to a minor. Streich’s heinous act was uncovered by an FBI undercover agent based in Pennsylvania who was posing as a 10-year-old girl.

According to court documents, in March 2020, Streich exchanged three sexually explicit videos of himself via Kik, an Internet-based text and social media platform, with the undercover agent. The disturbing exchange occurred after one week of communications between Streich and the agent.

Streich’s arrest was the result of a joint effort by the FBI, North Kingstown Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service. During the search of Streich’s residence, authorities seized electronic devices that revealed a stash of images and videos from Streich’s communications with the undercover agent.

On Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith handed down the sentence of five years of probation and ordered Streich to pay a $5,000 fine. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Milind M. Shah and G. Michael Seaman.

The severity of Streich’s sentence serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of child exploitation crimes. As the investigation and prosecution of such cases continue to unfold, our community can take solace in the fact that those who perpetrate these heinous acts will be held accountable.

Streich’s case is a stark reminder of the importance of online safety and the need for vigilance in protecting our children from predators. As we move forward, we must continue to work together to ensure that our communities remain safe and that those who would seek to harm our children are brought to justice.

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