EG Man Sentenced: 10 Years in Federal Prison For Enticing a Minor: US Attorney

EAST GREENWICH, RI — Stephen T. Ferrante, 62, of East Greenwich, was sentenced Thursday to 120 months in federal prison for attempting to persuade, induce, entice or coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity, the U.S. Attorney's office said. He will also serve 5 years' probation after he's released from prison.

Ferrante pleaded guilty on April 26 to use of any facility or means of interstate or foreign commerce to persuade, induce, entice or coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity.

At the time of his guilty plea, he admitted that in January 2017, he communicated online, by text message and by telephone with an individual he believed was arranging for him to have sexual contact with an 8-year-old girl.

Ferrante was arrested by members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations agents, on Jan. 12. He has been in custody since he was arrested.

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