Longtime Youth Tennis Instructor Arrested On Child Porn Charges

NEWPORT, R.I. -- A longtime youth tennis instructor and former teacher was arrested Friday on charges of child pornography possession in Newport.

Thomas Gallagher, 75, was arrested by Members of the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. He was arraigned Friday afternoon in Second Division District Court and released on $50,000 personal recognizance. Under the terms of his bail, Gallagher is banned from having any internet access or contact with minors.

Gallagher has a long history as a youth tennis coach in Newport, most recently at Spouting Rock Beach Association, better known as Bailey's Beach Club for the past 15 years. He was also a substitute teacher and part-time coach at Saint Michael's Country Day School from 1997 to 2004, and served as a tennis coach for the Newport Recreation Department before that.

State Police say the investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at 401-921-1170.