Westerly Resident Detained on Federal Child Pornography Charges

PROVIDENCE – Jay Gaccione, 39, of Westerly, today was ordered detained in federal custody on a criminal complaint charging him with production and possession of child pornography. He was arrested earlier today by agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and members of the Rhode Island State Police and the State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Gaccione made an initial appearance late this afternoon before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond.

Gaccione’s arrest is announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for New England; and Acting Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.

As part of an on-going investigation, HSI agents and Rhode Island State Police today executed court authorized search warrants at Gaccione’s residence where they seized, among other items, electronic and digital storage devices.

A federal 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.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise M. Barton.

###