East Providence Man Charged With Manufacturing Child Pornography

David Crisostomi, 36, of East Providence, was arrested on federal charges of manufacturing, possessing and distributing child pornography involving a 9-year-old girl, according to a press release from the office of U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha.

Crisostomi was arrested at his East Providence residence on Thursday, Feb. 16, by law enforcement agents from the FBI and Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force as they executed a federal search warrant issued by the U.S. District Court in Providence.

According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint filed with the court, an FBI investigation revealed that an individual at Crisostomi’s residence was allegedly sharing images of child pornography over the Internet. While executing a federal search warrant at Crisostomi’s residence, FBI and ICAC Task Force agents seized over 70 gigabytes of images and videos allegedly depicting child pornography on computers and other electronic devices. He also allegedly took sexually explicit photos of the young girl using his phone.

Crisostomi was ordered detained during an initial appearance in U.S. District Court on a criminal complaint charging him with one count each of using a minor to produce child pornography; possessing child pornography; and distributing child pornography.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt.

If convicted, Crisostomi faces a minimum statutory sentence of 15 years imprisonment and up to 30 years imprisonment for using a minor to produce child pornography; a minimum statutory sentence of 5 years imprisonment and up to 20 years imprisonment for distribution of child pornography; and up to 10 years imprisonment for possessing child pornography.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker.