Central Falls Resident Detained on Child Pornography Production, Possession Charges

PROVIDENCE, RI – An investigation and arrest by members of the Central Falls Police Department has resulted in the detention of a Central Falls man charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with production and possession of child pornography. Jose A. Cortes, a.k.a. “Jose Cortez,” 38, was ordered detained on Thursday following his initial appearance in federal court before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond.

According to information presented to the court, it is alleged that an investigation by Central Falls Police revealed that Cortes allegedly took 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. During the investigation, Central Falls Detectives executed five court authorized search warrants and seized several electronic devices and digital storage devices. A preliminary forensic examination of some of the devices by Central Falls detectives, with the assistance of Rhode Island State Police, revealed more than a thousand images and videos of child pornography.

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.

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.

Jose 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.

###