Newport Man Charged with Child Porn Possession, Transfer

A 30-year-old Newport man is facing charges of possession and transfer of child pornography after an investigation by the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Marc Mathis, of 3 Oak St., Unit 7, Newport, was arrested on Friday after a raid at his apartment following an investigation.

The state police said that ICAC Task Force members launched the investigation of an individual trading videos and images of child porn on the Internet and the connection at Mathis’ Oak Street apartment was identified as the source.

The Friday morning raid led police to digital media in the apartment that contained child pornography. Mathis has been identified as the alleged owner of the media, police said.

Mathis was arraigned in Second Division District Court and has been released on $5,000 surety bail. He was also ordered by Judge Colleen M. Hastings to not have any contact with children or use the Internet.

He is due to return to court on June 25.

Police said it does not appear that Mathis had any inappropriate contact with children.

Child porn possession convictions can lead to fines up to $5,000 and five years in prison. Convictions for child porn transfer can lead to fines of $5,000 and up to 15 years in prison.