Paul Fredericks, Child Enticement & Pornography, Rhode Island 2024

A Taunton, MA, man has been ordered detained in federal custody on charges that he allegedly traveled to Rhode Island to engage in illicit sexual contact with a minor, and that he received and possessed child pornography.

United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha announced the charges against Paul Fredericks, 36, who was arrested by members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations on October 5.

According to court documents, Fredericks engaged in more than two weeks of online conversations with a person he believed to be the father of a nearly nine-year-old girl. He allegedly arranged to meet with the father and, later, with the prepubescent daughter with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity.

The person Fredericks was communicating with was, in fact, a Rhode Island State Police Detective assigned to the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Fredericks and the ‘father’ of the young girl agreed to meet in a Providence parking lot on October 5, where Fredericks allegedly discussed with the ‘father’ ways he could prepare his daughter for sex, and suggested that they meet five days later to engage in sexual activity.

Before the meeting concluded, Fredericks was arrested by members of the ICAC Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations. A search of his person revealed a condom and lubricant in a vest pocket. A brief forensic audit of Fredericks’ cell phone at the time of his arrest allegedly revealed evidence that Fredericks had received and stored images of child pornography on his phone.

Fredericks is charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with attempted enticement of a minor; interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct; receipt of child pornography; and possession of child pornography. He was ordered to remain in federal custody following a preliminary and detention hearing in U.S. District Court in Providence on Tuesday.

A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John P. McAdams.

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