PROVIDENCE – Jay Gaccione, 39, of Westerly, was arraigned in U.S. District Court in Providence today on a nine-count federal indictment returned on Tuesday charging him with production, distribution and possession of child pornography.
The indictment alleges that on at least six occasions between April 14, 2014, and April 24, 2016, Gaccione persuaded and coerced minor children to engage in sexually explicit conduct which was electronically recorded.
The indictment and arraignment of Gaccione on six (6) counts of production of child pornography, one (1) count of distribution of child pornography, and two (2) counts of possession of child pornography are announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for New England; and Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.
On November 4, 2016, as part an on-going investigation, HSI agents and members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed court authorized search warrants at Gaccione’s residence and seized, among other items, electronic and digital storage devices. Gaccione was arrested on November 4, 2016, and ordered detained on a federal criminal complaint charging him with the production and possession of child pornography.
An extensive forensic examination of the electronic devices seized and additional information developed by law enforcement since Gaccione’s arrest resulted in additional charges contained in the federal indictment.
An indictment 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.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise M. Barton.
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