Mathew E. Pasetti, 35, of West Warwick, has pleaded guilty to possession and distribution of child pornography in federal court in Providence. The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, and is the result of a thorough investigation by the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The investigation began in October 2015, when members of the ICAC Task Force identified an Internet Protocol (IP) address that was sharing child pornography. Further investigation revealed that the IP address was registered to Pasetti at his West Warwick residence. A court-authorized search of Pasetti’s residence on December 2, 2015, resulted in the seizure of a laptop computer and several digital storage devices.
A forensic examination of the electronic equipment by the ICAC Task Force resulted in the discovery of approximately 600 videos and 175,000 images depicting child pornography, primarily involving prepubescent children. Pasetti’s guilty plea to possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography was accepted by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr.
Pasetti, who is currently detained in federal custody, is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell on January 17, 2017. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan. The investigation and prosecution of this case are a testament to the dedication and hard work of law enforcement agencies in combating child exploitation.
The ICAC Task Force and HSI are committed to identifying and prosecuting individuals who engage in the possession and distribution of child pornography. The guilty plea of Mathew E. Pasetti serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies are vigilant and will take swift action against those who commit these heinous crimes.
For more information on this case, contact Jim Martin at (401) 709-5357 or email USARI.Media@usdoj.gov. You can also follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island on Twitter @USAO_RI. The public is encouraged to report any suspected cases of child exploitation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST.
The guilty plea of Mathew E. Pasetti is a significant step forward in the fight against child pornography. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement agencies will continue to work tirelessly to protect children and hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes. The public can be assured that those who engage in the possession and distribution of child pornography will be brought to justice and face the full weight of the law.
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Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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