North Smithfield Man Charged with Multiple Child Exploitation Offenses Involving Surreptitious Filming of a Minor and Creating AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material with Images of Minors Known to Him

PROVIDENCE – Joseph L. Mello III, 38, of North Smithfield, Rhode Island, was arrested yesterday, November 9, 2026, in connection with an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Lincoln Police Department with various offenses involving the exploitation of children. 

Mello, who was previously an instructor and participant at various gymnastics, dance, and cheerleading facilities in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, was charged in a federal criminal complaint with attempted production of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, possession of and access with intent to view child pornography, and production of obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children.

As described in the affidavit submitted in support of the criminal complaint, Mello is alleged to have attempted to create child sexual abuse material by filming a child in a bathroom / changing area, while that child was undressing at a dance studio at which the child and Mello took classes. The complaint further alleges that Mello photographed children at the various facilities at which he worked and where he participated and used the photographs of these children, with AI image- and video-generation technologies, to create realistic images and videos depicting these children engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including sex acts with Mello. Investigators also allege that Mello possessed child sexual abuse material involving children abused by others.

Mello made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Providence yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rebecca L. Aitchison. Mello was temporarily remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service pending a detention hearing, which is set to occur this Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 1:00 pm.

"This case is a disturbing reminder that rapidly evolving technology can be weaponized to exploit children. As alleged, the defendant used artificial intelligence and other digital tools to create sexually explicit depictions of real children. While the technology may be new, the harm is not,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “Behind every image is a child victim whose safety, privacy, and dignity have been violated. Our Office, together with our law enforcement partners, is committed to protecting children, identifying victims, and holding accountable those who use any technology to facilitate child exploitation."

“Mello is accused of using his trusted position to gain access to children, then photographing them and using AI to create horrific images of their sexual abuse. Advances in technology have created new dangers for kids and their families, but HSI is working every day with our local law enforcement partners to detect threats to children and seek justice,” said HSI New England Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Grimming.       

The federal investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are continuing to review evidence and evaluate reports of Mello’s contacts with additional minors. Investigators believe there may be additional victims and witnesses relevant to this investigation and are continuing to identify and notify victims. If your child has been in close contact with Mello and/or if you or your child are aware of Mello photographing children and/or contacting your child, please contact Homeland Security New England Victim Assistance at HSINewEnglandVictimAssistance@hsi.dhs.gov.

Mello was previously arrested and charged on April 15, 2026, in the State of Rhode Island with video voyeurism. That case remains pending.

The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Denise M. Barton.

The case is being investigated by HSI and the Lincoln Police Department, with assistance from the North Smithfield Police Department.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.